News / crowdfunder
Transforming Redcatch Community Garden
A group of local volunteers in Knowle are aiming to raise money to transform Redcatch Park’s disused bowling green into a vibrant new community garden.
Since planning permission was granted a few weeks ago, the garden, nestled in one corner of the award-winning park in Knowle, is already well under way. From tomatoes to pumpkins, squash, gooseberries and more, the garden boasts an array of plants and trees, as well as gardening tools and even a barbecue, all thanks to donations from local supporters of the project.
is needed now More than ever
Indeed, the community garden’s management team explain that support for the garden has been astounding. Last week, fifteen people arrived to help erect a polytunnel in the garden, and around 90 people in total have signed up to help out as the project progresses, offering skills as diverse as potting plants and IT consultancy.
The group have been holding regular meetings, open to all who are interested to help plan the garden’s management. So far, they hope to build a wellbeing area that can be visited by community groups and schools, run gardening workshops for youngsters, and design the garden so that it is easily accessible to all.
Though the majority of the space will be dedicated to growing produce, the group also plan to furnish the garden with a café and shop, so that harvests can be sold on to the community, and the profits can pay for a full-time gardener and café staff.
Tina Badley has been involved in managing the project. “It feels like the park is right in the middle of two quite different communities, and I really hope that we can get everybody interested and wanting to be part of it,” she says. A common route home from school, it is hoped that families in the area will find the garden a good place to pause and enjoy Redcatch Park, pick up some fresh local produce and mingle with neighbours.
The volunteers are full of ideas and enthusiasm, but emphasise that the project still requires major funding. The group have a target to raise £4000, which, once met, will allow them to apply to Bristol Green Captial’s Better Bristol partnership, who will then consider whether to match their funding.
To find out more and get involved, ‘like’ them on Facebook, or check out their Crowdfunder page.
Take part in our reader survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B247 to be in with a chance of winning a meal for two.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
