New garden share scheme for Newton Abbot

Transition Newton Abbot is working with others in the town to set up a garden share scheme for the town which will benefit both garden owners and would-be gardeners

The Newton Abbot garden share scheme aims to provide space for those who would like to grow their own fruit and vegetables, but don’t have a garden or allotment of their own, and to offer a solution to householders whose gardens are not fully utilised.  The scheme will match would-be gardeners with garden owners and provide back-up and support for making a workable agreement for both sides. The scheme has been endorsed by Newton Abbot Town Council.

Other successful garden share projects now operating in the UK suggest that there are many garden owners who would be pleased to see part of their garden used by a keen gardener.  As well as the obvious benefits to the gardener who takes on a part of a an existing garden, there are benefits for the garden owners too:

• The pleasure of seeing their garden brought to productive life producing vegetables and fruit
• A share of the produce – vegetables and fruit from their own garden
• Helping a keen would-be gardener to actually start gardening and seeing the person flourish

A garden share brings companionship and interest to both gardeners and garden owners alike  so there’s an important social dimension. On top of that, with more people growing food fruit and veg in the town, the scheme will make a contribution to increasing the volume of local food.

Would be gardeners and garden owners who would like to find out more or become part of the scheme should contact TNA on GardenShare@TransitionNewtonAbbot.org.uk or phone Ralph on 01626 333269.