Community garden awarded £18k Lottery funding

Through gardening, workshops and events the group aims to support disadvantaged groups within the community

A thriving community garden project has been awarded £18,000 from the National Lottery to continue its city centre work.

The Grapes Hill Community Garden Group, based in Norwich, was set up 14 years ago by Fran and Pete Ellington to give residents without gardens a chance to connect with nature.

The group has transformed a council-owned patch of land and provides workshops and support services.

Group chairman, Richard Bearman, said: "We will be able to continue our work engaging and bringing local people together in this beautiful community garden."

The money will go towards weekly gardening sessions, public events and further workshops, including arts and craft sessions using plant-based materials.

Locals with limited access to outdoor space can also rent one of nine raised planting beds to grow their own produce.

'Sense of community'

The group supports disadvantaged communities as well as people with mental health issues and disabilities, and locals who are out of work.

Mr Bearman said: "We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

"We will be able to continue our work engaging and bringing local people together in this beautiful community garden.

"This is important because it improves individual mental and physical health and provides a sense of community."