WITH planning issues now out of the way, the future looks rosy for the Okehampton Community Garden — just in time for summer. The garden on Fatherford Road was given the go-ahead in January 2012 by Okehampton United Charity (OUC), following the hard work of a steering group who presented their designs to the charity before receiving approval. The land is owned by OUC, and was previously used for pasture. It has been intended to provide a new green space for the community to grow fruit and vegetables, keep chickens and bees, and help care for plants and flowers. In the last few months, progress on the site has slowed down due to the steering group awaiting planning permission for a polytunnel, solar panel and a meeting shed. The garden site is now fully open, and members are busy growing again. As well as areas for growing fruit and vegetables, the garden has areas for composting, fruit bushes, an orchard, herb garden, pond and wild meadow area. The first stage of the polytunnel has been erected, and it is anticipated the main meeting shed will be erected in June. The garden is now throwing open its gates, inviting people to find out more about the garden and become a member. Organisers are particularly looking for people to help with the sensory garden, keeping chickens, creating wheelchair accessible raised beds and paths, and construction of a beehive — though there are numerous other jobs to get involved with. A spokesperson for the garden said: 'Despite the severe winter storms, the newly planted orchard of apples, pears, plum, cherry and nut trees survived and began blossoming in the warm spring sunshine. 'Rhubarb plants enjoyed the continual rain, as did the leeks, so members have been rewarded with their first produce of 2014. 'The main growing plot has recently been re-ploughed and rotovated to quite a fine tilth for planting. There are still areas of the garden, such as the pond with adjacent bog garden, which need manual attention for those members who really enjoy a good physical workout. 'New members are always welcome, and membership is free. There is no commitment or restrictions for how much time or when you garden. 'It is Okehampton's community garden, open from dawn to dusk for all to enjoy. Members' ages range currently from three to 83 years old from all backgrounds. 'As well as sharing enthusiasm for growing food, members enjoy the fresh air and space, especially as so much new housing has very small gardens or outdoor space. 'The garden has a stunning backdrop of Dartmoor and views to Exmoor too on clear days.' The community garden committee is also looking to replace retiring treasurer Kay Bickley and her husband John, the community garden's chairperson. The couple have been involved with the garden since its inception, but have decided to take a step back. The committee expressed its thanks to the couple for their tireless work to bring the garden forward. If you would like to get involved or find out more, call Bill on 01837 659400, Moira Pearson on 01837 659372, Frances Rickwood on 01837 659533 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]
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