Community Garden St Albans

Aim

Enjoy community garden, free open space for groups to "own" their own plot, share knowledge/produce/form friendships and socialise.

Community Garden is what it is today through the magical work from diverse people and groups who share a love of being outdoors, tending to their own community plot, helping others and have time to learn about each other activities. The age range from toddler to over 70's plus (we don't have a lower or upper age limit). All are welcome as the garden is open 365 days, free to use and enjoy the large space to relax, reflect and opportunity to join with other groups.

The depth of time and commitment to make the garden look and feel welcoming and safe was recognised by national Groundwork for our community cohesion.

Why do we need funds?

The garden is exposed and is in a vulnerable location and we have been the target of vandalism and thefts.  In the past few months, we have experienced the worst kind of attack eg arson to the polytunnel and allotment sheds.  The volunteers and users were desvastated to see all their hard work destroyed not once but twice in two days.  Then again the lockup container welded window was damaged (using an angle grinder) and stole donated strimmers.  Fortunately they were unable to steal the precious sit on mower. but we were worried that they would make another attempt to break in and destroy anything we own, thanks to donations and grants. 

Therefore, we need to raise funds to protect this precious garden and users and the urgent need to install CCTV with remote access and power (there is no electricity and we need to improve our renewable resource of solar panels), maintenance of handful of equipment eg mowers, strimmers, garden tools, timber etc.

Testimonials:

Our Sunday school children together with teachers and some parents enjoyed a morning of discovery, planting and making organic bird feeders. For some children it was an opportunity to see how vegetables grow for the first time.  They enjoyed it so much they have decided to fundraise for their own raised bed. 

Without this beautiful garden space, we would not have been able to celebrate our summer family with a social and BBQ.  Thank you CDA. Czech & Slovakia group.

Tiffen Club members enjoy the outdoors and tending to their herb garden and in memoranance of passed loved ones.  HAWA

Beekeepers have welcomed the open space and accessibility at any time to look after the hives.  We also particularly enjoy sharing our skills and knowledge with everyone and not to be afraid of bees! St Albans Beekeepers.

This is a wonderful project for us to hold the stewardship and we need to ensure that the garden remains a safe environment and the communities feel comfortable to continue using it.  We are so proud to host this project and wish the garden volunteers and communities continue to thrive.  CEO, CDA Herts.

This project successfully funded on 4th December 2023