Within our garden space we want an area to use as an outdoor space. We have growing areas, thinking areas and gardening spaces. The aim is we will hopefully have a shed, alongside our growing beds. We would like to develop the outside free space to give shelter and focus for the visitors. This will be in the form of a hung parachute with log seating to give the outside, and inside feel. We use this area to whittle, to commune, and to bring people together who would normally be socially isolated. We have a blank canvas at the moment and still draw crowds from their solo spaces. We would love to be able to really boost this community space and allow the whole garden to be a true community garden.

What we'll deliver:

• Set up a Parachute area and Fire Pit
• Provide rustic seating
• Make the area desirable to visit with safe flooring

Why it's a great idea:

In order to combat social isolation, support PTSD and ex-servicemen, encourage outdoor activity and learning, share skills and encourage cross generational learning, we have designed and started to build a community garden space. We are linked with Help for Heroes, The Man Shed UK and local growers and providers who are all providing their expertise and skills to support our visitors. We have links with the local schools, and nurseries who have already visited our space in the town centre park. We are ultimately using nature to support mental health conditions. We have had over 250 visitors in the garden space during our opening build and clearance phase. These have all grown organically due to our position in the town. We have good social media links and this combination has brought people together who now meet regularly in the garden and are forming friendships, reducing social isolation and lifting emotional resilience. This is a simple project with so many huge benefits

Steps to get it done:

• Space cleared of debris - skips provided free
• Land flattened and cleared
• Raised beds created
• Paving and hard standing for wheelchair access created
• L Shaped "Man Shed" built
• Paving reflective circle created
• Herb wall built
• Potting shed built
• Fire Pit and Crafting area created
• Gate open 7 days a week

I could wax lyrical about the plans for this space, but we will have a workshop where cross generational skill sharing will result in a "repair shop" style service which will reduce landfill and give retired engineers the chance to share and continue their significant skill level. We will be running outdoor workshops to give all ages a chance to learn new skills in both bushcraft, gardening, growing, health and safety, mental health first aid training an certification and much more. We have a "Whittle While you Whittle" group which has already taken off despite a poorly provided area, the group leave and keep in contact through various media. There is a real sense of community already taking shape and I fully believe that with a focal point in the middle of the garden, this garden will fully expand and be a real asset to the people and groups of Bourne and the surrounding area. With volunteers and links with the Don't Lose Hope cafe and counselling, we are providing a complete service