New community garden opens at Bensham Court
A new community garden has officially opened at Bensham Court, offering residents a vibrant space to grow plants, connect with neighbours, and learn new skills.
The project is a partnership between residents, Gateshead Council, The Herb Hub and Good Natured, inspired by an idea from a local resident whose vision helped shape the garden before they sadly passed away. In recognition of their contribution, a dedicated memorial area has been created within the garden, providing reflective space for the community.
Designed with wellbeing and community spirit at its heart, the garden will give residents the opportunity to grow plants for their own homes while also creating a welcoming environment to socialise, exercise, and take part in gardening activities and workshops.
The project has been made possible through funding support from the Royal Horticultural Society alongside additional fundraising efforts from the local community.
John, one of the residents involved in the project said: "It's great for the community to come together to work on a project like this, with people from all walks of life helping and coming together. It's something that people can focus on and grow things like fruit and vegetables, I'm not a gardener but it's been an interesting journey with attending lessons and talks about planting seeds and growing things."
The community garden is an important step in strengthening community ties in Bensham, creating a shared space that encourages collaboration, improves wellbeing, and celebrates the power of local ideas.
The garden is now open for residents to enjoy, with plans for regular activities and opportunities for local people to get involved in maintaining and developing the space further. If you're interested in getting involved in the gardening group, please contact Community Development Officer, Ellie McGuinness, at [email protected].
A new community garden has officially opened at Bensham Court, offering residents a vibrant space to grow plants, connect with neighbours, and learn new skills.
The project is a partnership between residents, Gateshead Council, The Herb Hub and Good Natured, inspired by an idea from a local resident whose vision helped shape the garden before they sadly passed away. In recognition of their contribution, a dedicated memorial area has been created within the garden, providing reflective space for the community.
Designed with wellbeing and community spirit at its heart, the garden will give residents the opportunity to grow plants for their own homes while also creating a welcoming environment to socialise, exercise, and take part in gardening activities and workshops.
The project has been made possible through funding support from the Royal Horticultural Society alongside additional fundraising efforts from the local community.
John, one of the residents involved in the project said: "It's great for the community to come together to work on a project like this, with people from all walks of life helping and coming together. It's something that people can focus on and grow things like fruit and vegetables, I'm not a gardener but it's been an interesting journey with attending lessons and talks about planting seeds and growing things."
The community garden is an important step in strengthening community ties in Bensham, creating a shared space that encourages collaboration, improves wellbeing, and celebrates the power of local ideas.
The garden is now open for residents to enjoy, with plans for regular activities and opportunities for local people to get involved in maintaining and developing the space further. If you're interested in getting involved in the gardening group, please contact Community Development Officer, Ellie McGuinness, at [email protected].
