Proposals are in the early stages for a possible new Community Garden project in Spondon.
A Community Garden is a garden, which both local people and disadvantaged groups can visit to enjoy, socialise and get access to freshly grown produce.
Many “hard to reach” individuals such as the long-term unemployed, NEETS, ex-offenders and those with poor physical or mental health will be given safe access to the outdoors enabling them to once again feel part of society. Community members, including local children and those from schools in the area, will be encouraged to participate in developing and nurturing the garden. Gardening and other outdoor activities improve wellbeing whilst giving a sense of belonging to underprivileged participants.
The Community Garden Project helps local authorities and land owners, to have their land cared for in a sustainable way and at the same time provide a secure social space for the community. They can be sure they are fulfilling a large part of their social responsibilities by providing the environment for learning new skills. Education will be an important element of the overall project; on an informal basis teaching gardening and countryside skills and, in the future, the Project will provide formal training, helping people to gain vocational qualifications for personal and economic development.
The plans for Spondon are currently at a very early stage and organiser Claire Teeling is keen to hear form anyone with any thoughts/feedback on the idea and who may be interested in helping to take the idea forward. Also if anyone has any suggestions for a possible location in Spondon for such a project, again please contact Claire. You can email Claire at growoutside@outlook.com.
