Who we are
Ardrishaig Community Garden volunteers are local people of all ages who are passionate about strengthening communities, food system change, personal mental & physical wellbeing, and climate action.
We have begun transforming an empty plot of scrub land and plan t
o create a lush haven of biodiversity and fresh produce. This garden will be more than just a patch of land; it will be a vibrant community hub where people of all ages come together to share knowledge, cultivate plants, and foster a sense of togetherness. We aim not just to plant seeds in the soil but sow the seeds of real change in our village and prove that when communities come together, we can create something beautiful and beneficial for everyone.
Original concept drawing of the site
Our vision
- to transform a patch of shrub land into a landscape for growing food;
- provide a valuable area to people living locally who have no garden of their own;
- give an opportunity for local people to have an area where they can use simple gardening skills to grow their own plants and vegetables;
- provide the local community with access to a garden where they can grow healthy, organic produce;
- grow produce for donation to food banks and meal programs where we can cook and eat together
- provide space for children to participate in gardening activities so that they learn about edible plants and their nutritional value;
- encourage the young people of the area to become interested in gardening and other skills and to assist the older generation with their gardening;
- give a social resource for local people/groups in the area e.g., groups for the elderly, carers or support groups;
- build community ties by bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds;
- support member-driven educational projects that are a benefit to the Garden's members and the local community
- provide local food production, reduce food miles, increase biodiversity & tackle climate change
The community garden will be a space to relax, have fun, meet friends and feed your soul. We believe all communities should have places where people can share skills, share food and create connections for mutual support.
Our project idea
We will be developing the project over the next twelve months via an exciting range of activities which support bio-diversity, increase knowledge of organic techniques, and get people growing!
Key strands include: work days involving Friends of the garden and community groups: building raised beds and creating a healthy soil, creating areas to sow wildflowers & preparing ground for an orchard.
What we need the funding for
- A community polytunnel for groups to use. This will a space for growing, learning, meeting, sharing & sheltering!
- Improve access to site with gravel pathways
- Fencing, gardening tools and admin costs to secure site and maintain garden.
Thank you for supporting our project