A new community gardening initiative is set to blossom in Berinsfield, bringing together residents and local organisations to cultivate vegetables, herbs, and flowers while creating spaces for connection, learning, rest and reflection.
The new initiative will look after two sites, which bookend the green space between the Berin Centre and the Church of St Mary & St Berin.
The project aims to engage the community in caring for and enjoying these green
spaces. It is delivered through a partnership between the Berin Centre, the Church of
St Mary & St Berin, CAG Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire County Council and South
Oxfordshire District Council. Funding for this work is provided through a public health
grant from Oxfordshire County Council.
The initiative will be centered around two key areas: a community garden for
growing vegetables and fruit, and a tranquil reflective garden in the Church of
St Mary & St Berin's grounds, which will also include herbs and flowers. Both
spaces are designed to promote well-being and offer opportunities for residents to
connect with nature, recharge, and work together to foster a stronger sense of
community.
A Community Effort
The gardens will be designed and maintained with the active involvement of the local
community. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to plant and care for the
gardens. The project will also offer hands-on learning opportunities on practical skills
to do with gardening and sustainability.
The first event to launch the project is a Community Garden Celebration on 26
October. Part of the Oxfordshire Pumpkin Festival, there will be a range of garden
activities suitable for all ages including planting, digging and crafts. Refreshments
will be provided, with pumpkin soup for lunch. All are invited to join in and contribute
to the creation of these new green spaces. Gardening tools and guidance will be
provided, and everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.
The Berin Centre first established their Community Kitchen Garden in 2022, but the
new post of Community Garden Coordinator will really transform their ability to
support community growing and skills development.
Berin Centre Director, Laura Harte, said
we' re thrilled to be working in this fantastic partnership to bring more opportunities to grow food and enjoy our natural environment in Berinsfield, both in our Community Kitchen Garden and at the Church
Rebecca, Community Garden Coordinator, added
I think working and growing together can be transformative for both individuals and for the community as a whole so I'm looking forward to working with lots of people to create beautiful spaces. We welcome anyone who wants to get involved, from the green fingered to those new to gardening.
Event Details
What: Community Gardening Day
When: 25 October 2024, 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: Outside Berin Centre, Wimblestraw Rd, Berinsfield OX10 7LZ
Who: All ages are welcome. There will be a creche for younger children whose grown ups are participating in the activities, but all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. No prior gardening experience is required.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact Rebecca at
This Berinsfield project is one of two new community gardens in the county CAG
Oxfordshire is helping to establish with funding from Oxfordshire County Council.
Community Gardens in the CAG Oxfordshire Network include Bridge Street Garden in Banbury, Stonesfield Community Garden near Abingdon and Barracks Lane Community Garden in Oxford.
Councillor Nathan Ley said:
“Community gardening supports all our residents health
and wellbeing not just through being physically active in tending the garden, but by
being part of something bigger, providing a sense of purpose and connection with
other people. We’re pleased that our funding will help residents connect with nature
in this way and we are excited to see how the community flourishes around these
gardens.”
Marta Lomza, Community Gardens Coordinator for CAG Oxfordshire, said:
“Community gardening is an act of resilience – bringing communities together to
quite literally encourage and foster growth – of food, plants, and people. We believe
community gardening can be a radical tool for building social infrastructure and
developing more resilient communities. We’re so pleased to play a small part in
supporting the amazing community in Berinsfield to establish these two sites.”
There are over 25 community owned and managed green spaces in the CAG network.
Find you local one here
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