Mortimer has new Community Garden

On Saturday 3rd July Mortimer's new Community Garden was launched. The idea for a community garden originated from Mortimer's Community Plan. During the Community Planning process they decided that a green group should be formed that would look at activities to reduce Mortimer's carbon footprint; one of these activities was to create a community garden that different groups could use for education purposes.

The project found its feet when the landlord of the Horse & Groom pub stepped forward and offered the use of some of the derelict land behind the pub, with a request that the rent be paid in vegetables that he could use in his pub meals!

The green group needed further funding in order to be able to buy tools, fencing and bark for pathways amongst other things so they applied to CCBs Rural Access to Services funding Programme (RASP). Their application was successful and this enabled them to also set up a water meter, a compost demonstration kit, buy plants and other gardening equipment to allow the project to get up and running.

 A working day was organised on the 17th April which saw the whole village coming together for 'a spring clean day', where everyone was invited to get involved with the project by lending a hand to clear the land.

At the launch event in July the garden was looking very vibrant with plenty of vegetables, herbs and fruit trees growing happily. It was a far cry from the land that had been bare and disused only a few months before. So far the youth club and garden club have planted beds and it is hoped that more local groups will join in shortly. Other education activities planned are: growing vegetables, composting demonstrations, companion planting and pruning classes. A fantastic example of a community empowering itself by working together to create a tangible benefit to the village.

For further details of the RASP fund and how your community can apply please click here.