‘Huge effort’ behind new Windsor garden
Volunteers turned out in numbers on Saturday for the development of a new garden in the Windsor area of Whitehead.
Supported by Carrickfergus Borough Council, it is an Urban Gardeners initiative in partnership with Windsor Residents Association, Transition Town Whitehead, Brighter Whitehead and local churches.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn a statement to the Carrick Times, council noted: “A great number of volunteers showed up to support on the day. Refreshments, tables and chairs were kindly supplied by members of St Patrick’s Church. Everyone put in a huge amount of effort digging, raking and clearing the area.
“The area is now almost ready to begin planting in. Volunteers also varnished wood in preparation for the raised beds that are going in the garden. Local children came out to enjoy the day and drew pictures of the community garden.
“There are many social benefits that have emerged from urban community gardening practices, such as improved overall social and emotional well-being, improved health and nutrition and community social life.
“Individuals report to have decreased levels of stress and better overall mental health when they have opportunities to interact with nature through a garden. Community gardens are thought to be relaxing and calming, and offer a space of retreat in densely population urban areas. Community gardens are also fun. This was certainly the case at Saturday’s event.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdEarlier this year, Transition Town Whitehead had a leading role in the creation a community orchard at the Diamond Jubilee Wood with over 200 fruit trees and bushes added to the location.
And Brighter Whitehead will be to the fore in the coming months as the seaside town prepares to represent Northern Ireland in the annual Britain in Bloom challenge.
The local authority went on to state the Windsor Community Garden will also be a welcome new addition to the community gardening activities that make Carrickfergus bloom.
“Each year we organise the Carrickfergus in Bloom Community Competitions with a £1200 prize fund. Best Kept Community Planting Scheme is one of them – why not start your own?”
Anyone interested in creating their own community garden is asked to contact Alison at [email protected]