Community Gardens

Wouldn’t the world be better if there were spaces where people could just come and grow their own food? Or better still just pick what’s there? Good news: such spaces exist- they are called Community Gardens. The free space that everyone can contribute to and benefit from. 

A community garden, like a park or library, is there for everyone to come to and take from – eat the fruit and veg that are grown, enjoy, relax, feel welcome. But unlike other community spaces, it’s not ‘provided’ in the same manner. Instead only as much happens there as the members of the community contribute, so the fruit and veg are grown by local people giving their time. 

While the arrangements can vary, many community gardens break the ever-present model, where only the one who puts work in is allowed to take. The one who sows is not the only one who will reap; indeed some people only want to do the gardening and are not bothered about getting the produce at the end of the cycle. Meanwhile others greatly appreciate the fresh, free fruit and veg, regardless of how much they can or want to help to grow them. 

The simple principle of being a garden run by locals for the locals grows more than free food. It creates space for people to socialise, volunteering and upskilling opportunities, an enclave for nature. Can help people learn, live healthily, have some outdoors time in their life and make the area beautiful or interesting. Look up whether there is one near you or get in touch to start one!

Community Garden Map

Listings includes community Gardens, Orchards & Woodlands across Durham and the Northeast of England.

#Community-Garden Resources

Resources include advice on setting up a Community Garden and sources of funding