Bridge Street Community Garden, Banbury

Story of Self

‍After my son was born, I decided I wanted to do something meaningful for the community and the environment, particularly with the climate crisis in mind. I trained as an artist, but at that stage, I wasn’t enjoying making art. I wanted to do something that truly mattered. That’s when I decided to start planting trees. I had no idea how to do it yet!

I began by collecting seeds and reading books about growing trees. Soon, I connected with others who shared my interest and decided to organise a tree-planting workshop. I needed a space, so I reached out to the community garden where I had volunteered a bit previously. They agreed. I also contacted environmental groups, and to my surprise, many people came along! Each participant planted ten trees using repurposed materials, like Tetra Paks from cafes and crates from shops. At first, people doubted anyone would return the saplings, but two years later, 400 saplings came back, and we found places to plant them.

Over time, we have planted thousands of trees in schools, parks, and farms. We supported Cherwell District Council in planting trees in a park, created a 440-metre-long hedge on a farm, and planted several small woodlands. I took on all the fundraising for these projects, organising groups and businesses to help with the planting.

Through a network of tree-planting groups (created by CAG Oxfordshire), I attended an inspiring talk by Anthony Melville from Marston Forest Garden in Oxford. This inspired me to start a forest food garden in Banbury. Around the same time, following the lockdown, the Banbury CAG group contacted me because they needed someone to manage the community garden in Banbury. They secured a small amount of funding to hire someone initially, and I agreed to take on the role—on the condition that I could transform the space into a forest food garden. The garden beds were in disrepair, so I used the opportunity to redesign the space. Banbury CAG supported my idea, agreeing that I could apply for additional funding to refurbish the space and ensure sustainability.

Working as part of a Community Action Group has been a very positive experience. I feel empowered by the committee and other volunteers. It’s wonderful to be part of a group of individuals who care about the community and the environment as much as I do, and who take a stand to make a difference. Grassroots organisations are incredibly valuable for their communities, and it’s important to support them

Story of Us

We’ve tailored the garden for various groups to use it. For instance, we collaborate with the Sunrise Multicultural Project, which engages women from different cultures. They grow foods they enjoy eating, such as coriander. Other groups, like the Banbury Woodcraft Folk, wanted children to be involved hands-on, so they painted and decorated their planters. I’ve also been collaborating with my son’s school, and we are currently transforming a large empty patch of grass into an orchard, an edible garden, and a forest school area.

We’ve partnered with organisations like Restore and Aspire to involve people recovering from mental health challenges or substance abuse. I take time to understand each group’s goals and explore how the garden can help them. For instance, Restore’s group enjoys creative activities, so we’re currently making and decorating bird boxes.

One of the most meaningful collaborations has been with refugees through the Sunrise Multicultural Project. Their meals at the hotel were terrible, so the project manager suggested growing their own food. I applied for funding, and that’s how I met Batool, a refugee with a PhD in psychology who lives in the hotel. She has been instrumental in organising well-being events at the garden, helping to bridge communities by involving both refugees and locals. Together, we’ve been running creative workshops where people spend time in the garden, meet new people, and take part in activities designed for fun, creativity, and connection with nature.

It’s all about weaving connections and adapting to each group’s needs. Whether it’s running workshops, creating new spaces, or building relationships, my aim has always been to provide opportunities for people to come together, connect with nature, and make a positive impact.

Now, I am working on a project with the public health team at Oxfordshire County Council and CAG Oxfordshire, mentoring others to run community gardens in Berinsfield and Blackbird Leys, Oxford.

Managing volunteers and securing funding for my time has always been challenging. Often, I’ve had to volunteer my time instead of being paid. This has only been possible because my husband has a stable job, but it excludes many others from doing this kind of work. Some might consider me disadvantaged because I live in a so-called deprived neighbourhood, am not white, have ADHD, and am dyslexic. English is also my second language, so tasks like completing forms and grant applications take me much longer. On the other hand, I am creative and energetic—my strength lies in running a community garden. The sheer amount of administration required to keep it running feels disproportionate and makes it hard to sustain.

Story of Now: Calls to action

Alternative ways of applying and reporting

 It would bring greater value to the community if the process of applying to and reporting on grants were simplified and made more inclusive. Some funders already make it easier, requiring less reporting and even helping to complete forms by allowing verbal reporting. It would be fantastic if more funders adopted this approach.

Consistent funding

There are periods when I am paid, other times I am not- this is only possible because my husband also has an income. We need more consistent funding so the sector can be more inclusive. 

Building trust, and shifting accountability

Some grant funders act as if they’re doing you a huge favour by providing funding. But we are delivering a vital service to society. We need those in positions of power to collaborate with us, trust us, and enable us to use our skills for the benefit of the community and the planet. If I wanted to misuse money, I could find far easier ways to do it than running a community garden!