Neighbourhood Gardener
Essex Neighbourhood Gardener
Neighbourhood Gardener is a nationwide gardening mentoring scheme, originally initiated by the BBC, with a local focus that aims to create a nation of better gardeners.Essex Neighbourhood Gardeners is a new voluntary organisation that is being established to continue and build on the success of 'Neighbourhood Gardener' here in Essex
Neighbourhood Gardeners are enthusiastic amateur gardeners who offer their time and knowledge to help local communities to undertake gardening projects which will benefit and improve their local environment.
Neighbourhood Gardener involves people of all ages, from all walks of life, and helps to build a network of local gardening experts. There are lots of ways anyone can take part, with or without gardening skills or qualifications.
Neighbourhood Gardener provides:
- an opportunity to learn from other keen amateur gardeners
- an opportunity to share your gardening knowledge and experience and to learn new skills
- an opportunity to improve the local environment and make new friends
- an opportunity to share your passion and love of gardening with others
How to become a Neighbourhood Gardener volunteer
The Neighbourhood Gardener scheme is open to all regardless of age or experience.Volunteers are welcome to get involved in the community projects; you do not have to have any special gardening knowledge or qualifications.
Volunteers may wish to follow a horticultural course to gain further knowledge and skills. Writtle College offers a range of courses such as the City & Guilds Certificate in Gardening and RHS General, please contact the college on 01245 424200 for further details.
Writtle group
There is an established group of Neighbourhood Gardeners based at Writtle College who are working on a number of community based gardening projects primarily in and around the Chelmsford area.Previous projects include creating a 'Secret Garden' for the children at Broomfield Primary School, a 'woodland discovery garden' for a local nursery school and a garden at a local maternity department, created with the assistance of international scouts.
Projects planned for the future include a community allotment project, a butterfly and wildflower meadow at a local church, a village community garden and a garden at a local hospital amongst others.
Other groups in Essex
Additional ‘Essex Neighbourhood Gardener’ groups are also being established in other areas across the county including active groups in Southend and Thurrock.Essex Neighbourhood Gardeners has also established links with other Neighbourhood Gardener groups across the country to share ideas and experiences, and with other local and national organisations engaged in similar work.
For more information regarding the Writtle group (and other Essex Neighbourhood Gardener groups), visit their website at http://www.ng-writtlegroup.ik.com.
