A COMMUNITY garden which aims to encourage people to grow their own fruit and veg has opened in Rock Ferry.
Situated on unused land behind Rock Ferry Library, it was unveiled this afternoon with arts and craft-related family activities.
The land is owned by Wirral Council, but is run by new social enterprise 'Grow Sow Well', who will run a volunteering scheme and sessions for the community.
Helen Buckingham in the community garden which was officially opened this afternoon. Picture: Geoff Davies
The garden was created by Helen Buckingham, from Bebington, who was inspired by a course she attended at The Eden Project.
Mikhael Kinealy, six-and-a-half, in the community garden during its launch this afternoon. Picture: Geoff Davies
After four years teaching in local secondary schools, Helen, a former pupil of Bebington High School, decided that she wanted to develop a community resource that would particularly help people with mental health issues.
Helen Buckingham in the community garden which was officially opened this afternoon. Picture: Geoff Davies
She has already enlisted the help of the Utopia Project, a Wirral alternative education programme for young people struggling with formal education.
Marah Perry, five, enjoys the scenery at Rock Ferry Community garden this afternoon. Picture: Geoff Davies
Other organisations and community leaders involved in the project have included Wirral Council, Birkenhead Constituency Team, and Lairdside Communities Together.
Helen Buckingham in the community garden which was officially opened this afternoon. Picture: Geoff Davies
During this afternoon's launch, Helen told the Globe: “It’s been a very successful launch. It’s been a lovely day here in the garden, had lots of families coming along to enjoy the arts activities.
“There was lots of interest in the garden and people signed up for the volunteering programme.
"We've got a group of about six so far. It’s just people who have shown an interest and want to be involved in any way they can.
"It may not always be volunteering for two hours every week, but just have an interest and want to know where the produce goes and have ideas on how we can really utilise our garden for the benefit of the community.
"We are only in a small space, but the idea is that people will learn new skills and can take those away with them.
"A lot of the fruit and veg that we’re growing here can be grown in containers and pots and even if you’ve got a small yard or balcony, you can use those skills.
"Log onto our Facebook page, which is ‘grow sow well community garden’ or follow us on twitter @growsow
"We're here every week, so just pop in and see us."
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