Community Garden Allotments – Good for the mind, body and soul
BY ELIN WOODING
Allowing your senses to enjoy the beauty of nature, relaxing in the warm sun, enjoying the sound of twittering birds, watching the busy activity of bees and insects, gently tending plants makes us mentally and physically healthier. On top of this having a place where everyone is welcome, able to take part and work together, can help to battle isolation and provide a social space for people to relax, learn and enjoy. The benefits of community gardens and green spaces are already well proven.
Community gardens have been rising in popularity and it is easy to find inspiring stories of communities working together and creating amazing spaces. At Holme Farm a team are looking at creating an allotment style community garden and Poly Tunnel. Where we can all share the work and the produce grown in the beds, as well as being able to support the local Food Banks.
Having a space to grow vegetables will provide instant access to ultra-fresh, chemical-free food. It’s good for the planet, increases awareness of local seasonal produce and encourages a greater appreciation for food production, particularly amongst children. Food-growing projects are a great way for us all to come together and with plenty of jobs to suit every ability or skill, it’s an exceptionally inclusive way of uniting people and making new friends and create a family learning opportunity.
We hope to make the community garden at Holme Farm an accessible space for everyone, that is sociable, fun and full of laughter, where people will feel inspired and welcome to join in and support making this a wonderful community space.
Community Gardens come in all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of exciting design elements and ideas which will be included to help to create an accessible, inclusive and social space for everyone to share and enjoy. Features such as raised beds, table top beds, seating, shelters, edible hedges, upcycled planters, wide pathways will all help to make the space enjoyable and usable by as many people and groups as possible.
The community garden will provide a variety of spaces including a learning garden, a PYO herb area, a drop-in space where people can come to garden together at specific times, regular gardening clubs and areas for groups, friends and individuals to garden and grow food and flowers. The space will allow the opportunity to include water collection systems, bug hotels, composters and signage.
Whether you are a horticultural wizard, keen gardener or enthusiastic beginner we would love for you to get involved and let us know your thoughts.