Radcliffe on Trent’s Community Gardens initiative is actively seeking new volunteers as it gears up for growing season with a series of community activities.
The group welcomes individuals of all ages and levels of gardening experience who are eager to acquire new skills, forge connections, and enjoy the outdoors.
Operated entirely by volunteers, the gardens prioritise organic practices, utilizing peat-free, low-plastic, and nature-friendly gardening techniques. Last season saw a bountiful harvest including beans, potatoes, onions, sweetcorn, and a variety of other produce, all shared among volunteers and utilised by Radcooks, a local volunteer-led project catering meals to vulnerable families in the village.
Beyond cultivating fruits and vegetables, volunteers actively participate in enhancing plots, maintaining infrastructure, and engaging in construction projects such as building paths, compost bins, and installing irrigation systems. The group enthusiastically collaborates with local organizations and events, facilitating engaging projects with village youth groups and participating in community showcases.
Exciting plans for the upcoming season include the creation of a wildlife pond, development of raised beds with improved accessibility features, and educational initiatives like constructing a bug hotel for young gardeners. Additionally, the installation of a solar-powered watering system in the polytunnel aims to enhance sustainability efforts.
Founder and chair of Radcliffe Community Gardens, Karine Toledano, said: “We’re really looking forward to a busy spring and summer and we’d like to encourage more volunteers to get involved in our friendly group – our aim is to get people outdoors working physically, meeting socially, and engaging mentally.”
Those interested can join the group at Lees Barn Road allotments on the first and third Saturday of every month from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Radcliffe Community Gardens will host a series of free community events at Lees Barn Road allotments throughout the spring season.
Find the details below:
Saturday 20 April, 9.30am–11.30am: Seedling swap
Swap and share plants and seedlings with your local community
Saturday 27 April, 10am: Talk on perennial vegetables
Meet and taste some plants which give you food year after year
Sunday 28 April, 3pm–4pm: Sunflower planting
As part of Good to Grow Week 2024, families are invited to make a seedling pot and plant a sunflower
