COMMUNITY groups, youngsters and people with disabilities are set to benefit from an innovative land sharing project.

Agriculture research and technology company, Syngenta, has donated six acres of land next to its Jealott's Hill site for the Community Land Share initiative.

Bracknell Forest Homes is helping to get the project off the ground by preparing the site for people throughout the community to grow fruit, vegetables and plants, host events or just enjoy the outdoors.

Project manager, David Putt, from Bracknell Forest Homes, who was helping to clear the land on Saturday, said: "We hope it will become a real asset, there is nothing comparable in the area. We really want the community to get involved and take ownership of the scheme." The site already has a 250-tree orchard and half acre vineyard but organisers also want to develop a sensory garden for people with physical, mental and learning difficulties and a wildlife area.

Bracknell Forest Homes housing association, which has been supported by Warfield Parish and Bracknell Town councils with getting the project up and running, also wants to attract schools and groups supporting the elderly to the site.

Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People, Bracknell Islamic Society, Bracknell Voluntary Action, Bracknell and Wokingham College and the Friday Night Project for people with learning difficulties are among those to have shown an interest.

Eleanor Bateman, from Warfield Grow And Share, who was helping David last weekend, added: "It's great for the community to have somewhere to get together like this and help each other out.

"I would definitely encourage others to get involved, it's a fantastic opportunity." The project is looking for sponsorship for polytunnels so growing can take place all year round, capital funding to pay for things such as fencing to keep out deer, and professional support to build a disabled toilet. Contact David Putt by calling 01344 382936 or 07867 695931 or by emailing david.putt@bracknell foresthome.org.uk