One icy Wednesday, a couple of weeks ago, myself and my children wrapped up warm and braved the cold to show our support for the first opening of Golden Hill Community Garden.

Until that day, the space had been private and the community unable to access it.  However, it is now open to the community on certain days.  The aim is to involve all, regardless of age or ability, in enjoying the site, in learning how to garden and in eating the produce!

I spoke to Lucy Mitchell, the Community project Worker, who explained what the plans are for the site.  Lucy and the other volunteers are currently in the process of making the area accessible, with wide, flat paths, a wheelchair accessible toilet and raised beds, amongst other things.

Lucy explained she would like the community to use the space for events, as well as group sessions and workshops about gardening.  She said that she hopes local children and also, children’s groups, will use the space to grow things and learn about nature, too.  While we were there, one of the volunteers showed my children a toad much to their delight!

At present, the site is open to the community to drop in from 10.00 – 16.00, every Wednesday.  However, there will be more open days in the summer, including some evenings too.  It will also be open regularly at weekends, the next date being Saturday 18th February between 10.00 -14.00.  The entrance is just behind Horfield Prison and Bishop Road Primary School.

If you fancy going along with your children to lend a hand, help will be gratefully received!  My husband took my little boy to help one weekend recently.  My son had great fun being pushed around in a wheelbarrow while my husband helped barrow woodchippings to cover an area where new trees will soon be planted.

I think it is a fantastic idea to open the site up for the public to use.  It will be a wonderful space for the local community and its children to use when the work has been carried out:-)

If you are interested in learning more about the project, the website is

www.horfieldanddistrictallotments.webeden.co.uk.
 
Or, you can contact Lucy at horfieldcommunityallotment@gmail.com or 07506 905 394.