Are you interested in well-being and mental health, and how we can live well together? Wondering about the effects of biodiversity? Curious about growing food? Want to discover perspectives from the ancient Christian faith that may have something to say about all of this? If so, would you consider joining us for our first session on Sunday 2nd March at 10.30am and finishing by 12pm (Additional dates include the 16th and 30th of March. After that it will be every other Sunday.)

We’ll spend some time working in the garden, weeding, sowing, planting, harvesting, cooking, etc, as the seasons allow. There will be time for tea/coffee, biscuits – and possibly homemade cake! During this time we will look at some of the above issues, using resources from an ecological organisation www.arocha.org.uk. You can check them out using the QR code above.

It would help in our planning if you could indicate by signing up at our website – gathercommunitygarden.com
if you are interested. The sessions are open to everyone – there will be activities for children too.

GROUP DISCUSSIONS * REFRESHMENTS * VIDEOS * FREE

Videos – Group Discussions – Refreshments – Free

Would you like to be part of a group to help ‘do our bit’? Interested in well-being and mental health, and how we can live well together?

Wondering about the effects of biodiversity? Curious about growing food? Want to discover together whether the ancient Christian faith has something to say about all of this?

If so, would you consider joining us for our first session on Sunday 2nd March at 10.30 am, finishing by 12pm. We’ll spend some time working in the garden, weeding, sowing, planting, harvesting, cooking, etc, as the seasons allow. There will be time for tea/coffee, biscuits (and possibly homemade cake.)

During this time, we’ll look at some of the above issues, using resources from an ecological organisation www.arocha.org.uk. (You can check them out using the QR code below.) It would help in our planning if you could indicate by signing up below if you are interested. The sessions are open to everyone – there will be activities for children too.

Next sessions 16th, 30th March. Then every other week.

Hope you can come. Scroll down for a booking form

Arocha QR Code

Summer Fun Morning

Wednesday 13 August  *  10:00am – 12 midday

Gather Community Garden
(Churchdale Allotments – on the path from Churchdale Road to Wickes/Bookers/Argos area)

Free drinks and cakes

Bring a picnic and stay afterwards to eat and chat

It’s all free.

Some tasks will suit people with no garden or plant knowledge, right through to tasks for those who can bring us in-depth knowledge of plants, vegetables and fruit. There is also time for a hot/cold drinks break together.

We work on the principle that community garden volunteering has 5 benefits:

• Exercise is good for your body and mind.
• Being in nature spurs feelings of well-being.
• Purposeful work with tangible outcomes benefits volunteers who can share in the produce harvest and help us contribute to local food poverty charities.
• Small group conversation around common interests helps us all, especially at times of transition and change.
• It gets you out of the house and brings benefits to the wider community

You can find out more by having a tour or doing a taster morning. The tour booking form is below and the taster morning booking form is here.

Directions to the Community Garden can be found here. We’re just off Churchdale Road on the path to the Wickes/Booker/Argos area.

People are welcome to visit on their own, with friends for a quiet conversation or for a gentle meander around the many features of the garden, which include:

• Legacy Rose Bushes
• The Jasmine Arch
• The Living Wall
• A Flourishing Rockery
• A Meadow Grass Enclosure
• Cottage Garden Area
• Herb Planter
• Dahlia Bed
• Ferns and Succulents
• Lilac Tree
• Apple and Plum Trees

…… and much more

• The Quiet Garden is open via the Gather Community Garden entrance from 9.15 to 11.45 am Monday to Friday.
• Allotment holders at the Churchdale Allotments can view it at any time.
• Saturday viewings from 9.15 – 11.15 am are available on the first Saturday of the month.
• You may be able to gain access to the Allotments at other times if the gates are not locked. The Quiet Garden is at plot no (TBC)

Avoiding chemical fertilisers is another key aspect of environmentally responsible gardening. Synthetic fertilisers require significant amounts of energy to manufacture and transport, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Excess nutrients from chemical fertilisers can also leach into rivers and streams, harming wildlife and reducing water quality. By relying instead on compost, mulches and other organic methods, community gardens can maintain soil fertility naturally, encourage biodiversity, and create healthier ecosystems that are more resilient to changing climate conditions.

The no-dig method of cultivation is increasingly recognised as a sustainable approach to food production. By leaving the soil undisturbed and adding compost or organic matter to the surface, the soil structure remains intact, protecting earthworms, fungi and other beneficial organisms. This method reduces soil erosion, improves water infiltration and helps store carbon within the soil rather than releasing it into the atmosphere through repeated digging. As a result, no-dig gardening supports long-term soil health while reducing labour and promoting climate-friendly growing practices.

Reusing timber within a community garden further demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Reclaimed wood can be used to build raised beds, compost bins, seating, planters and wildlife habitats, extending the life of materials that might otherwise become waste. Reusing timber reduces the demand for newly harvested wood, conserves natural resources and lowers the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transporting new materials. In addition to its environmental benefits, involving volunteers in projects using reclaimed timber helps develop practical skills, strengthens community engagement and reinforces the importance of sustainable resource management.

Spending time in nature is widely recognised as an important factor in supporting wellbeing. Being outdoors can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety while improving concentration, relaxation, and emotional resilience. Natural environments encourage physical activity and provide opportunities to disconnect from the pressures of daily life. Whether walking in a park, gardening, or exploring woodland, regular contact with nature can enhance both mental and physical health and foster a greater sense of calm and connection.

Taking part in a small group centred around a shared interest can also improve wellbeing by creating meaningful social connections and reducing feelings of isolation. Activities such as community gardening, book clubs, craft groups, sports teams, or music groups provide opportunities to develop friendships, share experiences, and build confidence. A sense of belonging and mutual support can improve emotional wellbeing, while participating in enjoyable, shared activities can increase motivation and encourage personal growth.

Voluntary work with clear and achievable outcomes can provide a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction. Contributing time and skills to support others or the local community can boost self-confidence, develop new abilities, and create a feeling of accomplishment. Seeing the positive results of volunteering can increase motivation and reinforce a sense of value and contribution. In addition, volunteering often provides opportunities to meet new people, strengthen community connections, and improve overall wellbeing.

Volunteers at the garden can benefit from the produce but also enrich the lives of others who may be experiencing food poverty and benefit from the food we distribute to food banks, larders and community groups.