The Barnes Community Gardening initiative, involving Friends of Barnes Common (FoBC), FiSH Neghbourhood Care Group and the Barnes Community Association recently trialled two projects, starting with just three volunteers replanting the planter tubs outside the Barnes Green Centre. Next, FiSH identified four local gardens of vulnerable older people that had become very overgrown during the lockdowns, and FoBC and FiSH each did a callout for volunteers. We were delighted to have 13 volunteers (including a 12-year-old and a 78-year-old) respond. The gardens were transformed and the home owners were delighted.
Says Micky Forster, director of FiSH, ‘It is lovely to see vulnerable people able to enjoy their gardens once again.
And Nicki Urquhard, chair of BCA, says: ‘This new initiative, using volunteers interested in gardening and conservation, will increase wellbeing and bring joy to the vulnerable. I seea great futureextending the scheme to other community centres, organisations and many more homes.’
These projects will continue in 2022 and the organisations are looking for more volunteer helpers. No experience necessary and you don’t have to commit to a regular period. If you are interested in becoming a Community Gardening Volunteer, please contact Julia Bebington at info@barnes-ca.org.
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