Campus Farm, University of Essex
BIG Garden, High Woods Country Park
In March 2011 student and staff volunteers went ahead to transform about 1 acre of land within Wivenhoe Park into an organic Campus Farm. There are 6 allotments which are individually shared by a group of about 10 people. Every group has a different approach and it's this diversity of ideas which makes this project so interesting. In July we received two beehives and we are hoping to be able to introduce some chickens in the near future, too.
The Farm can be found behind Wivenhoe House to your right. Come and have a look, or get involved yourself! Tool donations and seed swaps are welcome, too.
More info about the Campus Farm Project can be found on Facebook or email ddempsey@essex.ac.uk.BIG Garden, High Woods Country Park
This organic fruit and vegetable garden and orchard is hosted by Colchester Borough Council and got underway thanks to Lottery funding in 2007. The site is less than 300m from the Visitor Centre off Turner Rd. The project aims to promote health and well being by producing local food in a sustainable way with community involvement. ECC Public Health ended in 2016 and the project is funded to the end of September 2017 by Colchester Borough Council. Future is uncertain. For opening times see http://www.colchester.gov.uk/biggarden
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to volunteer and have a share in the harvests - no experience is needed.
Health referrals are welcome.
Tools, gloves and tea are provided for volunteers.
Dig
4 Jaywick Community Garden
The Dig 4 Jaywick
Community Garden Project commenced in November 2011. Situated on
land owned by Tendring District Council, at the rear of the
Enterprise Centre in Lotus Way, this Community Led Project has
evolved over time attracting involvement from organisations such as Essex County
Council – Volunteers, The Prince’s
Trust, The Woodland
Trust, Essex Probation, Youth Offending
Team, Tendring
Enterprise Studio School, Essex Fire
Services, Essex Youth
Services, Jaywick
Martello Tower.
Whilst there is
adequate space for growing produce, the Garden is known as a
‘Multi-Use’ area and not an allotment. At harvest time any
produce grown is given back to those community members who take part
in the project or donated to local lunch groups. Proposed and previous
activities include:
- Art in the Community – Jaywick Martello Tower hosts art sessions in the garden.
- Drumming workshops by SoundExchange
- Walls & Gardens Project – linking with local schools
- Community Volunteering – students from Tendring Enterprise Studio School learn about the growing process.
Regardless of whether
or not you have experience of gardening, local Volunteers are
encouraged to take the opportunity of getting involved in the project
- The level of involvement being determined by the Volunteer.
Benefits include: sharing of knowledge, meeting new people, exercise,
and being part of a project within YOUR community!
Station Community Garden, Wivenhoe
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| here we go |
Local folk gather to plan the plot in early 2011. Transition Wivenhoe took the reins this year in promoting the project and attracting volunteers.
Email hello-food@transitionwivenhoe.org.uk for more info. Donations of time, tools, seeds welcome. Transition Wivenhoe want to support other community food growing projects to get started.
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| time for Kelly Kettle tea |
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| Wivenhoe Open Gardens |
The garden attracted lots of interest during Wivenhoe Open Gardens in late May 2011. Many encouraging words, new volunteers and offers of tools, fabulous!
2017 update: volunteers are needed to look after the site.
New Town Community Garden, Old Heath Rec
This exciting new community garden got started in Spring 2010 as a result of meetings with local residents. A group was formed and a permaculture inspired design produced with guidance from Marina O'Connell of The Apricot Centre and support from BTCV and Colchester Borough Council. The space has something for everyone: fruit and nut trees, vegetables, flowers and herbs, a mud play area, quiet seating and social spaces. Come and help at volunteer work days.
Mill Rd Community Garden, Myland
Started in 2005 with funding and guidance from community development project 'Community Action in Mile End'. Now supported by Myland Community Council.
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