The Swindon-based garden project, GAP Swindon, are bringing local volunteers together to grow, tend, and share produce with members of the community.
The idea of the Swindon GAP started in 2020, and the idea was for local people to grow fruit and vegetables for local people to share.
Matthew French, who is the founder, initially thought of the project, and it is now organised by a small group of volunteers.
It is based on land behind housing in Carstairs Avenue, in Park South, on an abandoned allotment site. It can be accessed through a gap between houses opposite Lawton Close, postcode area SN3 2DE. The What3words reference to the entrance in Carstiars Avenue is cheer.couch.insect
The project will include a range of raised beds, using the no dig method. No dig means soil is piled on the ground creating a bed for planting with out the need for digging.
A spokesperson for the group said: "We are looking for more local volunteers to participate in caring for the site for tasks such as tending the plants, weeding, planting, sowing seeds, watering, grass cutting and installing and building more "No Dig" raised beds with recycled materials.
"We are also looking for donations primarily of wood, such as decking boards, sleepers, scaffolding boards and pallets, as well as corrugated metal sheets, garden tools, and also topsoil, compost, and manure."
The GAP Swindon has now been permitted to install self-supporting raised beds and "No Dig" method veg beds. Over time the project will gradually expand to include fruit trees and fruit bushes.
The GAP team say they would like to pass along thanks to Mr. Crapper’s Potting Shed, and Paul Heapy, who recently donated three large bags of compost. They added that they would also like to thank Charmaine Scantlebury for her donation of fruit trees, fruit bushes, compost, and tools.
The group's spokesperson added: "Another thank you to T&C Landscaping who delivered a huge load of sandy soil leftover from landscaping a friend's garden.
"We also had six huge tractor tyres donated from lovely local people. One of which was donated by Imperial Tyres of Elgin Drive Swindon, also three tyres from a farm, which were delivered by the guys from 1st Class Courier Services. These have now all been converted into raised bed planters."
Great camaraderie was said to have been demonstrated with the rolling of a huge tyre along Cranmore Avenue a few weeks ago, with the help of local Parish Chairman Chris Watts, Cllr Mike Davies, and other members of the community.
The GAP team also passed along their thanks to the South Swindon Parish Council, for helping the team get the great project off the ground.
Eventually, the community garden project team would like an area made accessible for people with disabilities with specially built raised beds. However, as the group have limited funding, they say they are looking for any kind donations to allow this to become a reality.
Another big issue the group have come up against is water storage on site. The team say there is no water supply, and they are currently carrying large quantities by hand.
The group's spokesperson said: "We are looking at solutions for water storage such as one thousand Litres IBC tanks with some sort of rain capturing facility. If you can help, please get in touch!"
More information about GAP Swindon can be found on its Facebook page at THE GAP SWINDON | Facebook
Members of the public can also contact GAP Swindon via 'The Shop', Unit C George Hall Court, Cavendish Square, Park South, SN3 2LZ or via telephone on 01793 529938 or email at: [email protected]
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