An Inverness-based volunteering team have played a key role in a local church being awarded £15,000 to continue developing its community garden.
Culloden Barn Church scooped the top prize at this year’s North Region Community Connect Group competition following a table-top display and short presentation.
Presenters demonstrated their work in the community, what they’ve done so far at the Barn Fork to Fork garden, and what they plan to do with the funding. It included content and imagery of our volunteers carrying out much-needed support on the land as part of a Community Action Programme (CAP) day back in mid-September.
Our team of volunteers spent the day ensuring the hard landscaping was in place to enable accessible paths around the garden and for its seating area to be paved. They also constructed wooden planters and moved soil for a wildflower meadow expected to be in full flower next year.
The funding will go towards equipment for growing fruit and vegetables under cover – two polytunnels will mean food can be grown despite the often-harsh climate conditions experienced in a Highlands garden. Gardening equipment, seeds and plants will also be purchased enabling local schools to help develop the project and use the space as an outdoor learning environment.
Community Garden Manager Mary Davis said: “We’re delighted to have been announced as the competition winner and receive this funding from Scotmid.
“We couldn’t have achieved this without the help of SGN though. They provided the skill, manpower, materials and equipment required to establish the accessible paths and seating area, which have made a real difference to us working in the garden and for the community to come and enjoy the views from.”
We’ve struck up a strong and positive working relationship with Barn Church in recent months as we carry out our work to renew our old pipes in the area.
The church was kind enough to donate some of its land for us to securely store our machinery while we carried out our gas network upgrades nearby, and it seemed natural to offer our support when we became aware of the community garden project.
Congratulations to Mary and her team for winning this amazing funding prize! We’re so glad our volunteering efforts have contributed to the ongoing development and multi-purpose use of this fantastic community space.
David Edgar
Operations Team Manager
The Barn Fork to Fork Community Garden
What they do in the community
The team facilitates community activities that bring people together to make a difference. The garden has been setup for people to lead healthier, happier and more connected lives. It also reinforces caring for the environment, increasing biodiversity and reducing food waste.
Who will benefit from the garden
It will allow people of all ages and mobility access to a peaceful, green space to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of being outdoors. Local primary and secondary schools will be able to use the garden and young people can learn practical and vocational skills in gardening and growing produce.
