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A former School Playing Field has been transformed into a Community Garden thanks to Jane Bensen and her Team of volunteers. The Field, off School Lane and adjacent to Redcotts Recreation Ground, was originally used by Wimborne First School before the School moved to its new site off Cranborne Road.
Beaucroft College then took over the site and allowed part of the field to be transformed into a Community Garden.
This all took place back in May last year since when the transformation into a Community Garden has taken place. Last year’s growing season produced a good harvest of many different kinds of vegetables and with the aim of the Garden being to donate at least 25% of all produce grown to Wimborne Food Bank it not only achieved this but it has also been able to support the very busy Wimborne Community Kitchen. Jane said, “We are always delighted when Food Bank clients come along and ‘pick their own’; the garden is a special place and the more who come and enjoy it, the more special it becomes. We are also thoroughly enjoying building up lovely relationships with our friends from Beaucroft College and supporting them as they learn about double digging, planting bulbs, wheelbarrowing turf and the general delight of enjoying time outside”.
Over the past few months the generosity and goodwill from all sections of the Community has been amazing. There has been support from local individuals, businesses, schools and charities. Paving Slabs were donated by MB Wilkes and they were laid free by Dan Higgs. A shed was donated by Wyatt Homes and a Polytunnel was provided by the Friends of Canford School. Other items donated have included a Greenhouse, a Summerhouse and Timber for the wheelchair friendly raised beds. A Sensory Garden is being developed for everyone’s benefit and especially the Beaucroft Students. The whole Project is supported by the local charity Faithworks who also support the local foodbank.
All is now set for the grand opening by the Town Mayor of Wimborne Minster Cllr Carol Butter on the afternoon of Sunday 30th April from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Volunteers are always welcome to come and help on Wednesdays from 9.00am -12.30pm, Fridays from 2.00pm – 4.00pm and Sundays from 2.00pm – 4.30pm.
Contact can always be made via: wimbornecommunitygarden@gamil.com
Photographs by Anthony Oliver