After growing nearly three tonnes of organic produce for local food banks in the last two years, and planting more than 400 fruit trees, a Shinfield-based charity has constructed its first community garden.
Earlier this month, a team from Freely Fruity helped convert the grounds of Emmanuel Church in Woodley, following a request from its members.
The church has recently been revamped, and as part of the project, it wanted to plant an orchard in its grounds.
The charity says that once it was in, discussions began on a possible community garden collaboration.
Companies pitched in to help, including TopsoilUK.com, which agreed to provide the topsoil for the raised beds. Beale’s Scaffolding provided all the boards needed for constructing them, and Winson Woodcraft supplied the wood chip.
It all came together on Saturday, March 5: volunteers from the church and the charity came together to build the gardens over a five-hour period.
The Southlake Crescent church now has six raised beds and wall-mounted trellis’ for growing produce. The site was designed to be accessible to all, including those in wheelchairs.
The gardens will be maintained by local residents and parishioners.
Matt Knight, one of the co-founders of Freely Fruity, said: “It will be a fantastic place to come and meet up with other gardening enthusiasts.
“Knowledge and skills will be passed on from experts to those just starting out.
“Gardening is really great for the environment, mental well-being and making new friends. It is hoped that courses will be run from the site in partnership with Freely Fruity and Wokingham Borough Council.”
He continued: “All the produce grown at Emmanuel will go to those who really need it. With Emmanuel Church having a food bank on-site and Share Wokingham recently setting up there, plenty of people will directly benefit from the new project. We hope this will be the first of many satellite Freely Fruity community gardens.”
The charity is currently searching for a new permanent home due to development work at their existing site.
They are looking for suitable land to grow and cultivate fruit trees for future projects.
For more details, log on to: www.Freelyfruity.org
