A neglected allotment has been transformed into a community garden project to help people recovering from mental health problems.
Clarion Housing Group provided a £10,000 grant to charity West Kent Mind to regenerate and maintain the Tudeley Lane area that had been left untended for several years.
“There is so much evidence for the mental and physical health benefits of gardening. The new community allotment project will be great for local residents to join in and work side by side with people recovering from mental health problems, this is a fabulous community project,” said CEO of West Kent Mind Jill Roberts.
Over the past month staff from both Clarion and Mind have been getting stuck into the overgrown beds, with contractors Turfsoil and Bridgelands helping out with strimming and other more challenging tasks.
Professional gardener Jane Hill will also be on hand to give her expert advice to help allotment users make the most of their plots.
And local pub the Cardinal’s Error is also getting in on the act by providing access to its facilities for gardeners as well as supplying a celebratory lunch for the hard workers.
Clarion’s Neighbourhood Investment officer Sheena Field said: “This project has seen great teamwork from West Kent Mind and local resident volunteers who have worked very hard to create a great community resource.”
