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The idea
Things we would like the garden to be:
An organic garden to improve biodiversity and climate resilience.
• A place where the community can come to garden for health and develop common purpose.
* A place to harvest organic edibles to address food poverty e.g. fruit, herbs, vegetables and flowers.
• A place for a range of plants that provide sensory stimulation throughout the year, and plants that have a purpose; used medicinally, for dyeing fabric.
• An inclusive place with raised beds to enable disabled volunteers to engage easily.
• A space to demonstrate recycling and re-use of items to support nature and assist in the garden.
• An art/ craft display space.
• A place for relaxation, and mindfulness.
• Develop nursery space to sell plants/seeds or swap for need, either plants, tools, or expertise
• Encourage use of the garden space by schools/health to teach about sustainable gardening, biology, ecology.
• Develop community expertise.
What we'll deliver
- Garden beds with vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers
- Plant and seed swap days.
- Increased community involvement,
Why it's a great idea
Bradlaugh Fields was rescued from housing development by the local community. We are facing climate change, economic problems, and health inequality. We want to protect and utilise the park and empower our community in line with the vision that saved the park.
Organic gardening in a community foraging garden can strengthen community by giving purpose on a shared task,and empowering people. It provides food, and improves physical, mental health as well as the health of our green space
Helps people and the NHS by improving health outcomes. Saves money as reduces health intervention. Support people and the economy by supporting skills transfer and education towards employment. Foraging helps food poverty by empowering people to access food rather than relying on food banks. Supports climate resilience, and improves biodiversity. Protects the community from impacts of climate change through gardening/food and seed swapping, and develops expertise and education for our young people .
Steps to get it done
- Designing the garden
- Creating social media posts and visiting community groups to promote engagement
- Buying the plants
- Digging the beds and planting them
- The first seed and plant swap event
We would also like creative, nature connection, and mindfulness opportunities within the garden to provide holistic support for our community.
