Gold Digger

Published 10th May 2012 - The Rockwell Site

Gold Digger

In 2009 BEES (Bradford Environmental Education Service) were commissioned by the Newlands Community Association to a design a community garden on one of their sites in Thorpe Edge. The design was based on forest garden principles, incorporating fruit and vegetable growing, wildflower areas, seating and access infrastructure. It was decided the project would be called the Thorpe Edge Community Garden.

Using the BEES design the NCA joined forces with Roots & Fruits, a local horticultural project, to make an application to WREN for funding for the garden. WREN is a not-for-profit business that helps benefit the lives of people who live close to landfill sites by awarding grants for community, conservation and heritage projects.

In November 2011 funding was agreed with WREN to enable the NCA, Roots & Fruits and the local community create a community garden.
The NCA is contracting BEES to implement delivery of the community garden. BEES staff will work alongside Roots & Fruits to engage local volunteers and to plan the schedule of work.

In April 2012 the garden project broke ground.

The Thorpe Edge Community Garden will:
• provide support for wildlife as well as people
• produce fruit, vegetable and herbs
• provide space for relaxation and education
• encourage the use of local volunteers wherever possible
• use locally sourced materials wherever possible