Every fortnight volunteers or 'Friends of the Walled Garden' turn up at the Walled Garden in Newton St Loe to participate on composting, weeding and watering.
Set up a year ago 'Friends of the Walled Garden' meet each fortnight on Saturdays, for Saturday Volunteering in the Walled Garden. This group aims to keep those Gardeners who have completed the series of therapeutic sessions connected with the Grow for Life 'family'.
For many of them, they have received such a positive experience of working alongside people, and enjoying such a special place, many don't want to sever their connections with us. The group allows those Gardeners who now feel tey want to give-back to support the work of the Garden, for others.
"Gardening in this beautiful tranquil space on a Saturday morning, sets me up for the weekend…"
After our exposure on Gardener's World in 2023, we received so many offers for help as volunteers, our core Volunteer Mentor Gardener positions become full. What do we offer those who just wat to garden, who just want to 'be' in such a unique space? This new group enables those who want to casually learn a little about gardening, or want to volunteer in a safe space can join the group.
Its not run like our Social and Therapuetic gardening sessions throughout the week, more akn to a gardening group. Some people drop in when they can, others are committed to being their every fortnight.
The tasks vary subject to what the mid week Therapeutic groups have been getting up to. Sometimes there is preparation to undertake for the following week. Much of the time its just keeping on top of the garden, particularly on those tasks the the mid-week Gardeners struggle with.
"Its good to know what we are doing each fortnight is helping the sessions during the week"
If you would like to be part of an informal group, regardless of age (over 18), regardless of strength or mobility (we will find gentle tasks or heavy tasks to suit the individual), regardless of other life committments (come when you can) then get in touch below and make yourself known to us, so we can welcome you to the next Saturday Volunteering session at the weekend.
The group is run by a rotating team from Grow for Life, there are a mix veteran Gardeners, who have been through our programmes, working alongside local volunteers. If you would like to be part of this friendly supportive team:
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