The Organic Growers of Bothwell are delighted to announce that Caley Construction Ltd have begun work on the construction of the Bothwell Community Garden.
Conveniently situated next to Bothwell Primary School, the sustainable organic garden utilises the ‘raised-bed’ method of gardening, which produces excellent results without the physical labour and maintenance often associated with allotment gardening, making it ideal for today’s busy family life. This method also greatly benefits older or less able bodied gardeners; and also serves as an excellent introduction to gardening for children.
Climate Challenge funding will be used to construct 62 raised beds, two poly-tunnels, wormeries, a potting shelter and secure tool shed. In addition, there will be a small orchard of fruit trees and a soft fruit growing area alongside a biodiversity area to encourage local wildlife and increase awareness of the value of nature.
The project aims to help villagers significantly reduce carbon emissions by reducing food miles and food packaging waste, and preventing local fruit and vegetable waste going to landfill. The garden’s central location makes it easy for gardeners to walk or cycle rather than rely on travelling by car.
There has been enormous interest from all sectors of the community, from pre-school groups to senior citizens. The project aims to create a peaceful green space where shared experience and knowledge will help everyone develop a love of organic gardening and a healthier lifestyle in a social setting.
The committee has already been contacted by a number of community groups in South Lanarkshire hoping to replicate the project within their own localities. We hope this is the start of a number of projects all working towards the same goals.
Norma Hay, chair of The Organic Growers of Bothwell would like to thank the committee members for all the hard work they have put in to reach this point. We have been very fortunate in having the experienced civil engineer Bill Gow on the committee. He has been a tower of strength with his technical knowledge of the requirements for construction. He will be on hand to supervise the build to ensure everything is done correctly. If all goes to plan we hope that the garden will be ready for the beginning of May.
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Whoo-hoo! After months of wrangling with the council and other bureaucrats we are nearly there! I am so excited I could wet myself...
(thanks)
