Community hop growing scheme set to expand

Members of Hop Along Thanet grow hops in their gardens and allotment plots

A community hop growing scheme in east Kent is set to expand.

Hop Along Thanet, a non-profit making organisation which launched in 2020, encourages its members to grow the crop in their back gardens and allotment plots.

The University of Kent at Canterbury has just joined the project and is set to grow 20 plants on its campus.

Chris Morrissey, founding member, said: "Its more than a hobby, it's an involvement with a historic Kent tradition".

Hop Along Thanet is one of a number of community hop growing groups across Kent.

It has more than 50 members who have planted 150 hop bines in their gardens and allotments across Thanet.

Hops are perennial but new roots are planted in early spring with the crop normally harvested in mid September.

Mr Morrissey set up the group during Covid.

He said: "Not only did it bring people together in a difficult period but it gave me something new and interesting to do."

The community group has around 50 members

After harvesting, the crops are taken to a Margate-based brewery to be turned into beer.

Mr Morrissey said: "Every member is invited to come down and have a pint or two.

"Hops are a wonderful and beautiful thing to have growing in your garden or allotment.

"People really enjoy coming together at harvest time."