Green Business Awards 2009: Green business - Green service (micro-organisations)

Dig It Projects is a garden landscaping company run by its owner Richard Smith in Cleveland. The company installs allotment gardens in schools to grow fresh fruit and vegetables and at the same time raise awareness on healthier-living issues.

Dig It's aim is to provide an allotment-style garden in every school. It has completed nearly 30 projects to date, mainly working with primary schools in the Cleveland and Redcar area. Lively demand based on positive feedback from early customers has enabled the company to expand by employing two members of staff in addition to the owner.

Each allotment garden is made using raised beds to provide a good working height for small children and adults alike. As well as installing gardens, the company offers ongoing garden maintenance services and periodic site 'health checks'.