MENDIP COMMUNITY GARDEN FOUNDATION

40 – 42 Dunster Avenue, Westcliff-On-Sea, SS0 0HQ.

Contact: 07397796269 — www.facebook.com/mendipcommunitygarden/

Email: bob.mendipcommunitygarden@gmail.com.”

AN energetic opening day was held at the Mendip Community Garden in Westcliff-on-Sea. Spearheaded by the Chairmanship of Bob Ayriss, alongside Iwona Kalisz, the efforts have restored the garden to being a cherished space for relaxation, picnics, community gatherings, and communion with nature. The Spring open day on April 12 2022, opened by Mayor Habermel, featured engaging activities for children, including lessons on pot plants by the gardener, and face painting and Rocky’s animals, whilst a barbecue enhanced the festive atmosphere. Mr Ayriss said: “The opening was a great success with nearly 200 people attending. “Iwona and myself both say it was good to have the garden officially open now after all the hard work that had gone in from volunteers and it was great to see the local community there supporting us, and the children enjoying the animal farm.” He added: “Apart from preparing the Garden for the opening, we have also worked on achieving full charity status, which we have recently obtained. “This milestone allows us to advance our long-term plans for the area.” With its new charity status, The Mendip Community Garden now stands as a vital community hub, allowing residents to explore and appreciate the new wildlife ponds, allotment areas for plants, fruits, and vegetables, and planters. Former Councillor Keith Evans, initially a committee member, now serves as one of the Trustees of this initiative in his ward. Mr Evans emphasises the importance of the garden to the community. He said: “the team’s remarkable efforts, including outreach programs, significantly benefit people’s mental health.” Mr Ayriss added: “At the present time the Garden is staffed on certain days by volunteers and a part time gardener but is seeking to enlarge the team of volunteers. “If you feel that you would like to be a part of the rejuvenation project in any way or have any ideas of your own, or could maybe take on a role in maintaining the garden in the future, please contact bob.mendipcommunitygarden@gmail.com.”

The garden as it was in 2022 for updates see below in the attachments.
Mendip Wildlife Garden has evolved into a community garden which is now led by community volunteers and has been renamed Mendip Community Garden Foundation. The foundation became a charity in April 2024. The project was initially started volunteers, councillors and local organisations who have now formalised a community group. The group offers individuals and families an opportunity to develop an allotment plot grow their own produce and develop flowers. The site offers a safe positive community space encouraging educational opportunities with onsite help from the resident gardener to assist when needed. The site promotes meaningful activities and encourages life skills for all ages and abilities. The group continues to improve the area for the benefit of the local neighbourhood and provides an opportunity for volunteers to undertake activities in an open communal space. This encourages volunteer wellbeing, improved mental health and a sense of hope and pride in the local area. The site offers skill development through pathways into work experience and allows volunteers to develop knowledge and skills within a safe environment and teaches enhancing new life skills.
Charity Number 1207763

Downloads

File Description File size
pdf Mendip Community Garden 2 MB
pdf Mendip 2nd Event 6 MB