Community garden planted at food bank

The planting of a new community garden in Stourport began today

A specially designed garden is being planted at a community food scheme in Worcestershire after it won a competition run by the Eden Project.

Food Share Wyre Forest in Stourport-on-Severn was crowned the UK’s friendliest community in the eco visitor attraction's Coronation Communities competition.

Those struggling with financial pressures will be able to use the facility to access fresh fruit and vegetables.

Volunteers and community groups are joining specialists from the Eden Project on Wednesday to transform the previously disused outdoor space into a multipurpose garden.

Volunteers with Food Share Wyre Forest collect surplus food from nearby supermarkets and other businesses, giving it out to those in need, which also reduces waste.

Established in 2022 it now distributes food to more than 300 people each week.

Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Communities programme director, described Food Share Wyre Forest as a "shining example"

With a brand-new garden they will now be able to provide homegrown food.

Lindsey Brummitt, Eden Project Communities programme director, described Food Share Wyre Forest as "a shining example".

She said: "Like many other communities, people here are facing a difficult situation, but they’re being incredibly resourceful.

"Transforming and using what they have, they’re growing a caring local support network that nurtures social connections."

Food Share Wyre Forest founder Vel McMillan said the scheme was as much about reducing food waste as helping those in need

Food Share Wyre Forest founder Vel McMillan set it up after noticing an increase in food poverty and levels of social isolation.

“It’s just as much about reducing waste and sharing food together as it is about supporting people who might be struggling to pay for their shopping,” she said.

"Lots of people here don’t have their own gardens, so we want to give the community their own shared green space to take care of and feel ownership over."

Each element of the new garden has been designed in so that all abilities and ages benefit, the Eden Project said.