Major cash boost for vital Swindon community garden

TWIGS Community Garden in Swindon has received a £3,887 National Garden Scheme grant.

The team at the garden, which provides a therapeutic environment in which people experiencing mental health issues can gain new skills and confidence through activities that include gardening, conservation and crafts, will use the exta funding to design and build a new garden space where all people struggling with their mental health can focus on the positive benefits of growing and tending plants.

The garden will also be used to work with people experiencing grief and depression resulting from bereavement issues. The garden opens for the Scheme in 2025 on 18 May and 20 July, and details can be found at  https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/25148/twigs-community-garden

The National Garden Scheme has been funding community gardening projects since 2011 when the awards were set up in memory of Elspeth Thompson, the much-loved garden writer and journalist who died in 2010.

The programme honours Elspeth’s memory and supports the community gardens she loved.

George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme,  said: “This is the first year of our Community Garden Grant funding supported by the Julia Rausing Trust and we’re proud to be providing even more of a helping hand to thousands of people across the UK as they work to create and develop community gardens.”

“Many of the applications we received centred on the growing of food for communities and those helping others to learn to grow food. Many cited the benefits to the physical and mental wellbeing of their local community and the dozens support children and people with dementia.  Applications also came from a broad spectrum of society, including a number from ethnic minorities.

“Community gardens give people a sense of purpose and hope, so it is easy to see why people get involved. We are delighted to provide ongoing support to so many inspirational projects.”

The grant for TWIGS is among nearly £300,000 in funding for 117 community garden projects across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, announced to mark Community Gardens Week.

National Garden Scheme Ambassador Danny Clarke said: “Participating in an allotment or community garden can give meaningful social connections which help to reduce loneliness and isolation.

"I have noticed how these spaces can bring people of all generations, cultures and backgrounds together, to happily share knowledge and traditions.

"It’s wonderful to see the continuing generosity of the National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grants which are helping to fund these amazing spaces across the country and contributing so positively to social cohesion.”?