The Meadows Community Gardens

Where people and nature flourish

Nestled between the metro line and the centre, our community garden provides a place for both people and nature to flourish. Across the five acres of land, you’ll find thriving local wildlife, beehives, a wildlife pond, and areas where we grow organic fruit & veg to use in our very own kitchen.

However, the gardens aren’t just a visitor attraction. We work alongside local people, shoulder to shoulder, to grow our garden together.

Activities in the community garden

The Meadows Community Garden is a hub of activity. From growing your own veg to honing your horticulture skills as a volunteer, here’s how you can get involved with the garden:

Alternative Education Provision

Our Alternative Education Provision supports children aged 11-18 who have been expelled, or are at risk of expulsion from mainstream school. We help students rebuild their confidence and gain practical gardening skills.

Forest School

Through The Meadows’ after-school programmes, we offer fun, forest school sessions for Primary aged children. Here, the kids can be found beekeeping, building dens, and being bush-craft masters. Children will also have the chance to grow their own veg, so you can save on the shopping bill!

Horticulture and gardening skills for adults

Through our Thrive Daycare, we help adults with additional needs develop skills in horticulture. From here, they can use what they’ve learnt in everyday life and for future work.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to develop confidence, skills, and new friendships. And there’s no better place to volunteer than out in nature. We’re always on the lookout for local people who can help make our garden a more beautiful place.

Before I came here I didn’t really speak to anyone, I was feeling lonely and suffering from physical and mental ill-health. That’s all changed. Now, I feel useful and get a chance to speak to other people. It made a huge difference to me.