‘Huge effort’ behind new Windsor garden

The social benefits of community gardening were highlighted as the borough’s latest site began to take shape at the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd May 2014, 14:47 BST
Taking part in the community garden project are (from left) Ann ODonnell, Sandra Cass, Mary Hamilton, Stephen McGowan, Jim Kitchen, Jeni McAughey, Eoin McAughey and MaryAnn McReynolds. INCT 18-701-CONTaking part in the community garden project are (from left) Ann ODonnell, Sandra Cass, Mary Hamilton, Stephen McGowan, Jim Kitchen, Jeni McAughey, Eoin McAughey and MaryAnn McReynolds. INCT 18-701-CON
Taking part in the community garden project are (from left) Ann ODonnell, Sandra Cass, Mary Hamilton, Stephen McGowan, Jim Kitchen, Jeni McAughey, Eoin McAughey and MaryAnn McReynolds. INCT 18-701-CON

Volunteers turned out in numbers on Saturday for the development of a new garden in the Windsor area of Whitehead.

Supported by Carrickfergus Borough Council, it is an Urban Gardeners initiative in partnership with Windsor Residents Association, Transition Town Whitehead, Brighter Whitehead and local churches.

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In a statement to the Carrick Times, council noted: “A great number of volunteers showed up to support on the day. Refreshments, tables and chairs were kindly supplied by members of St Patrick’s Church. Everyone put in a huge amount of effort digging, raking and clearing the area.

“The area is now almost ready to begin planting in. Volunteers also varnished wood in preparation for the raised beds that are going in the garden. Local children came out to enjoy the day and drew pictures of the community garden.

“There are many social benefits that have emerged from urban community gardening practices, such as improved overall social and emotional well-being, improved health and nutrition and community social life.

“Individuals report to have decreased levels of stress and better overall mental health when they have opportunities to interact with nature through a garden. Community gardens are thought to be relaxing and calming, and offer a space of retreat in densely population urban areas. Community gardens are also fun. This was certainly the case at Saturday’s event.”

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Earlier this year, Transition Town Whitehead had a leading role in the creation a community orchard at the Diamond Jubilee Wood with over 200 fruit trees and bushes added to the location.

And Brighter Whitehead will be to the fore in the coming months as the seaside town prepares to represent Northern Ireland in the annual Britain in Bloom challenge.

The local authority went on to state the Windsor Community Garden will also be a welcome new addition to the community gardening activities that make Carrickfergus bloom.

“Each year we organise the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions with a £1200 prize fund. Best Kept Community Planting Scheme is one of them – why not start your own?”

Anyone interested in creating their own community garden is asked to contact Alison at [email protected]

Related topics:Volunteers