Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland have launched their Carbon Army Food Growing Campaign. The launch was held during Volunteers' Week at Conservation Volunteers' Wildflower Nursery and Allotment site in Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Belfast.

The aim of the event was to demonstrate the importance of growing your own, to reduce food miles and encourage communities to become more self sufficient.

During June, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland's Carbon Army of volunteers will be encouraging local food growing projects to reduce climate change and cut the carbon impact of food production and distribution.

Speaking at the event volunteer Amanda Peters said "When I first started here I had no interest in conservation work, I didn't even want to get my hands dirty, but that all changed. I have gained qualifications I didn't think I would get and I have never looked back and I would recommend volunteering to anybody."

A free guide to help you get started with growing your own is available at www.btcv.org