Help us to have a successful 2023 season of producing food at a network of community gardens on the Isle of Arran. Support local volunteers to grow a variety of fruit and vegetables, by investing in good quality compost, vegetable seeds, soft fruit, tools and gardening equipment.
Proposed on behalf of: Since our organisation began in Spring 2020 we have had an overwhelming response from communities around Arran and we have worked with volunteers in several villages to establish new community gardens on disused land. In the 2023 season we are continuing to support the work of volunteers at a minimum of five community gardens around the island, as we also look to develop other green spaces in our villages. Although we have received funding from other sources, establishing and maintaining this network of gardens and green spaces requires a wide variety of ongoing investment. The funds from participatory budgeting would make a huge difference to the work of volunteers at the gardens during the 2023 season. The gardens that we are helping to maintain offer beautiful green spaces that all members of the public are welcome to enjoy, as we continue to transform disused land into welcoming outdoor public spaces. Volunteers have the chance to learn new skills and are given the opportunity to socialise, meet new members of the community and learn from experienced Arran gardeners about how to grow our own food on the island. The gardens are participatory spaces, and we are maintaining them as beautiful places to be, with colourful wildflowers, annual vegetable beds, soft fruit bushes, and small community orchards. There is a great spirit of camaraderie among volunteers, there is the opportunity for children to be involved through games and adventure play on our green spaces, while the knowledge and wisdom of older generations can be shared to make our gardens resilient and well planned. All members of the public are welcome to enjoy our gardens, even if they are not volunteering and just passing through or there to enjoy the natural spaces. The food grown will be enjoyed by volunteers, produce will be offered in return for a donation to support our activities, while it is also accessible to members of the community who are experiencing issues acquiring fresh local produce.
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