A SOMERSET farmer is taking on three marathons on the Dorset coast to plant kitchen gardens in schools – and doing it barefoot!

Matteo Grasso, of Higher Farm, Castle Cary, will take on the challenge in a bid to raise £8,000 for the project.

Matteo plans to lead the challenge on March 22, 23 and 24.

“We are Higher Farm in Somerset, and our project is focused on supporting a future for local, natural and accessible food,” he said.

“Our vision with this fundraiser is to set up a kitchen garden at Hazlegrove Prep to provide nutritious, organic and sustainable food, and to incorporate the students, offering an educational experience growing and learning about food.

“We are contributing our team of farmers to manage and implement the gardens, and the fundraiser will fund the plants, tools, materials and any additional labour if needed.”

He said the farm was teaming up with Hazlegrove Prep and more, if funds can be raised.

“In a time where our unsustainable food system is causing dramatic problems for our health and our climate, where we are further and further disconnected from our food and British childhood obesity is at its highest ever, we believe this is a very important cause to support future generations,” Matteo added.

“We are so grateful for your support in bringing this vision to life.”

For more information on the challenge – and to make a donation – log on to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Foodforestbarefoottriple.