In April 2024 a group of residents from the village set up a community garden in partnership with the Wellfield Trustees and High Coniscliffe Parish Council. The large garden is in Jonty’s Field off Mill Lane to the right of the Tennis Club. We have had a highly successful 18-month period, working together to establish an inclusive organic community garden for our village.
From the outset, generous grants and continued support from The Parish Council (as well as Darlington Borough Council), enabled a successful start to the project. Transforming the space from the grassy field to a healthy gardening space, conducive to growing a wide variety of organic flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables has been a labour of love but is now producing great results. We started with the “Big Dig” in April 2024, where a group of about 25 villagers helped to prepare the ground and lay paths between the growing spaces.
The garden has now matured and we have had a very successful sowing, planting and growing year and are enjoying the fruits of our labours. The garden is becoming a growing community hub, welcoming interested villagers and new members including St. Edwin’s Pre-school staff, parents and children.
Although not scientifically measurable at present there are signs of increased biodiversity in and around the garden, particularly this hot and dry growing year, an abundance of pollinators – butterflies, ladybirds, bees including honeybees throughout the late spring and summer.
The addition of organic matter being introduced into the soil is likely to positively affect future yields. Altogether we have had a very good growing year. All plots are now ‘growing’ with organic produce grown and shared with family, friends, neighbours and passers-by. If you would like to join us, please contact Carole Hollis (caroleahollis@gmail.com).
Insect friendly gardening
