We are crowdfunding to replace and repair old wooden structures in our much-loved community garden in Preston Park, created back in 2010.
by btnhovefood in Brighton, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
If we can raise additional funds we can be sure of completing all the replacement works listed in our crowdfund page, and putting aside a small amount for smaller-scale repairs and replacements that will also be necessary in the coming year.
The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership’s vibrant flagship garden has been a much loved feature of Preston Park since 2010.
In that time we have used the space to demonstrate organic growing techniques, hosted a diverse range of local community groups at our Pick and Cooks, taught many people to grow food and continually enhanced and maintained the garden through our weekly volunteering sessions. We promote a chemical free and wildlife gardening approach throughout.
"I’ve been coming for over 10 years now because I love the companionship and friends I have here. It gives me something productive to do – it’s very therapeutic."
How will we use your donations?
We are crowdfunding to replace and repair some of our existing structures as they come to the end of their useful life. This includes:
Wherever possible we use recycled, reclaimed and sustainable materials.
"The shady pergola is wheelchair accessible and it’s great that anyone can come and sit under the grapevine and look at the wildlife pond and listen to the birds." - garden volunteer
The funds raised will enable us to carry out this work causing minimal disruption to the park and those who enjoy visiting our space. By using wood for the majority of the structural work we can ensure another 10 years or more of shelter and sanctuary for those that come and relax among the plants and look at the wildlife pond in our forest garden area.
When will it happen?
Once we have raised these essential funds we can begin to source material and schedule the work at appropriate times to fit around some of the activities we have planned in the space including a Dementia tea party and our regular volunteering sessions. We intend to complete the work by the end of 2023.
Who will do the work?
The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership run and maintain the community garden, with the help of an incredibly dedicated volunteer team and support from freelance tradespeople and experts when needed.
The garden in Preston Park is one of a number of community growing spaces run by the Food Partnership which has over 20 years experience leading & supporting local food projects, from gardens to food banks to surplus food projects, lunch clubs and a cookery school, the Community Kitchen, which now cooks with some of the produce from the Preston Park garden.
"This is a community garden for everybody to see what we’re growing and to feel part of something. Sometimes people come and water the garden and sit in the shade of the pergola. I see folks come and go here all the time. I think this space is very important for people’s health and wellbeing – not just the volunteers but everybody." - garden volunteer
How can you help?
If you want to see our donation campaign succeed, please share the crowdfund link with friends and contacts. If you share on social media please tag us @btnhovefood. Shares are a proven way to increase donations!
Thank you, from all the team at Brighton & Hove Food Partnership
* Thank you to garden volunteer Emilie Schroeder for kindly volunteering her time to make our crowdfund video