Celebration event marks completion of improvement works at community garden

A celebration event is being held to mark the completion of improvement works at a community garden in North Tyneside.

The Meadow Well Connected’s Community Garden, in North Shields, was awarded £54,612 from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)’s Local Growth Fund VCSE Capital Grant programme to create an outdoor learning space, offer training for local residents, and revitalise areas including its wildlife pond and greenhouses.

People are invited to join the celebration event at The Meadow Well Connected Community Garden on Tuesday 31 May to see the improvements and take part in activities.

Mandi Cresswell, Chief Officer, Meadow Well Connected, which runs the community garden, said: “This funding has given the garden a real boost with the chance to make significant structural improvements to the garden including upgrading the main poly tunnel, regenerating our raised beds, improving the pathways and creating a wonderful wildlife pond where nature can flourish. It’s testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, alongside support from Capita and other volunteers, and will create new habitats and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“We can’t wait to see how the garden continues to develop as we have big plans and we’d love more local people to get involved.”

The event will be opened David Bavaird, the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, and people can take part in garden crafts, sports activities and garden tours. There will also be an exhibition showing before and after pictures of the improvements made to the site.

Meadow Well Connected is one of 14 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in the North East which were awarded funding from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)’s Local Growth Fund VCSE Capital Grant programme, which aims to help communities across the North East recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive of the North East LEP, said: “Over the last 18 months, this five-acre garden has flourished, with work placements and training giving people the opportunity to develop skills in landscaping and horticulture, plus a range of physical improvements including new pathways, raised beds for growing vegetables and a new wildlife pond.

“I’m pleased this funding has helped make sure Meadow Well Connected can continue to play a central role in the community and provide a place where people can learn new skills, connect with nature and connect with each other.”

Find out about other projects funded by the Local Growth Fund VCSE Capital Grant programme at www.northeastlep.co.uk.

The Meadow Well Connected Garden celebration event takes place between 12 noon and 3pm on Tuesday 31 May. Find out more at www.www.meadowwellconnected.org.uk.