On Saturday 10 August, volunteers and supporters from the Bradley Road Community Garden held an open day to celebrate the re-design and re-opening of the garden.
With the garden in its 8th year, the original infrastructure, made from repurposed materials, had disintegrated and become a hazard.
Made possible with grants from Selwood Housing, Warminster Town Council and Area Board, the re-designed garden has raised beds and wide paths, which help create a safer, more accessible and inclusive garden. A small shed provides rainwater capture, which until now has proved a challenge, and benches mean visitors can sit and enjoy a tranquil moment.
The contractor, Warminster Fencing, provided a generous discount to keep costs down and clearance work was carried out by the volunteers, with valuable additional support from a team from Selwood Housing. A wet winter and spring made for many setbacks, not least plagues of slugs and snails.
The garden is run by a small group of volunteers who grow food and plants using the Incredible Edible model, which aims to provide a free source of organic fruit and veg for anyone in the community to help themselves to. The volunteers aim to create a supportive space that provides companionship and benefits physical and mental health, alongside teaching growing skills. Biodiversity is a core principle so the garden is maintained using organic and regenerative practices that put nature first.
The garden always needs more volunteers – this is an inclusive and friendly group and everyone is welcome regardless of ability or commitment.
