An Edible Community Garden in Holbeck?

Plans are currently being developed for a community garden to grow fruit and vegetables in Holbeck and local charity Health For All are seeking community support to help make it happen.

The little used games space next to Holbeck Youth and Community Centre could be the site of a new community garden where people can come to relax, learn new skills, and cook together. The project is still looking for funding, and in the middle of a community consultation, but there are lots of ideas for what the garden could include already.

The garden could have beautiful mosaics and artwork on the walls, raised beds growing all the veg you need for your Sunday roast or Friday night curry, and a pizza oven built by local people. It would host tons of family-friendly gardening activities, teach DIY skills to young people, and offer a chance to learn traditional skills like jam making. We could even have bees for honey and some chickens for fresh eggs! It's completely up to you, and it wouldn't cost anything to join in.

The Games area was installed almost 20 years ago and over time has become increasingly less used as more up-to-date facilities have been built to meet local demand. The proposal is to turn half of the area into a garden, as well as the areas outside the games space. This means people can still use a large area to play games, and at the same time others can grow amazing food and beautiful flowers.

The work will be commissioned by Health for All, and carried out by Hyde Park Source, who regularly turn disused urban areas into vibrant gardens, seating areas, and playgrounds. Everyone can get involved in  the practical stuff, and you'll learn tons of new skills  in the process.

There will be an open evening at Holbeck Youth and Community Centre on Wednesday the 26th, from 5pm-6:30pm

Come along to find out more about the proposal, get inspired and tell us your ideas. Maybe even sign up to do a bit of volunteering to help turn the dream into reality. There will be refreshments, curry and cake, arts and crafts activities for kids, short videos of other community gardens, and plenty of opportunity to write down your suggestions. You can even plant some cress or chives to take away with you.

We are also planning a short trip to some existing gardens, to get a better idea of what Holbeck Edible Garden could look like. Then we will visit the site at Holbeck Youth and Community Centre for a bite to eat and a chat about what we can do with the space now we have some inspiration. The first trip will be on Monday the 14th of April, and will be free, accessible, and family-friendly.

For more information and to keep up to date, email stephanie.robinson@healthforall.org.uk
Alternatively follow us on Facebook – Holbeck Community Garden Consultation
Or write to the following address and we will send you information on upcoming events:
Stephanie Robinson
Health for All
Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre
Acre Close
Middleton
Leeds
LS10 4HX 


Stephanie Robinson, Health for All