Our aim is to change an overgrown plot of land into a vibrant eco-friendly garden; fostering a sense of community pride and neighbourhood involvement in the development and ongoing creation of the garden also promoting improved mental health and wellbeing. It will be a series of small gardens including:- flower and shrubs quiet area, growing space with raised beds for individual and communal activity, wildlife and bee friendly space, a tactile garden for young children and a sensory area. It will include an open area for community events and workshops. We are building links with existing community groups and local schools to maximise everyone's enjoyment of open spaces. Brownie guides have a small plot they are developing and another community group have recently begun growing vegetables in an area of the garden to support foodbanks and soup kitchens helping the most vulnerable people in society. We have 6 small allotments managed by local people and regularly have volunteers working on site providing an opportunity to identify and make use of local skills and knowledge to benefit the area and neighbourhood. The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the problems of loneliness and isolation in society. Bringing people together in a safe outside environment will promote improvement in mental health and well being, reduce social isolation and encourage new friendships. Recently mental Health Week encouraged us all to be friendly, be loving to each other and get well together. The Community Gardens 5- 10 year plan will provide a framework to achieve this target. A small, dedicated committee, all local volunteers, meet regularly to consider ongoing and future plans involving other volunteers in decision making.
