Young people help transform community garden

A community garden has been transformed in Westbury with the help of young volunteers. 

The Chestnut Community Garden was created from a revived shed allotment in the corner of Chestnut Grove and is open to anybody who would like to enjoy the produce or get involved in caring for the plants. 

The space has been transformed by students from Fairfield College in Dilton Marsh and TEAM10, the voluntary community youth group from Westbury Junior School. 

“They have worked tirelessly for the whole academic year, every Friday and beyond, weeding, culling, growing, planting and pruning to create this community garden,” said TEAM10 member Susannah Duval. 

The project was developed as part of Wiltshire Council’s Community Conversations programme. It has been supported by local residents, Community Conversations lead Chris Boyes, and Westbury Town Council lead ranger David Kryzyzosiak. 

“The garden has no access to water, and neighbours and local residents have supported a lot by filling water tanks and watering,” said Susannah. 

The garden is open to residents as a space to get outdoors or get involved in caring for the plants. Produce grown at the garden is also donated to Westbury Area Network to support Westbury’s food bank. 

Chris Boyes is hoping to raise awareness of the garden among more local people. Recent action days have brought people together for days of gardening, but Chris hopes to now establish a core group of volunteers who will take over the management of the space. 

He said, “We’re really keen for a whole range of people to come along and get involved. That could be somebody who’s a really keen gardener and has got lots of skill to bring, or it could be somebody who just wants to come and meet other people, get out for some fresh air, into the nice weather, and perhaps help with some watering. 

“Either end of the spectrum is brilliant. The more the merrier, we can find something for people to do.” 

To find out more, contact Chris at Christopher.Boyes@wiltshire.gov.uk.