Rushcliffe Borough Council allocate £2,000 Reach Rushcliffe funding to Honeybee Farmacy CIC’s Cropwell Community Garden, located at The Plough Inn, Cropwell Butler

A community garden has received a £2,000 grant towards a vital project helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) allocated Reach Rushcliffe funding to Honeybee Farmacy CIC who deliver the project at Cropwell Community Garden, located at The Plough Inn in Cropwell Butler for new facilities, including a polytunnel, log seating and a wheelchair-accessible picnic table, providing a space for residents to take shelter in all weathers and socialise during gardening sessions.

The new features will encourage groups to come together and relax and enjoy a break from gardening, alongside a protected environment for year-round food production, as well as supporting the community garden to provide quality sessions and activities for all.

Honeybee Founder and Director Xanthea Heynes said: “Thanks to Rushcliffe Borough Council for all of their support through the Reach Rushcliffe Fund, and also for the encouragement and advice from their local networks such as Feeding Rushcliffe and the social prescribing team.

“The funding will help the garden grow more crops and provide much needed seating so everyone can enjoy the peaceful garden space that has been created here.”

The garden is open to the public on Fridays from 10am to 3pm and a new regular gardening group is currently being set up. Visit https://cropwellcommunitygarden.cargo.site for more information.

RBC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Abby Brennan said: “This is a beautiful community garden, and we’re pleased to support this crucial project through our Reach Rushcliffe fund which offers a safe space for residents to connect through gardening activities.

“The gardening sessions are making a difference for the volunteers and wider community and helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation by creating a new and accessible area for everyone to gather and socialise in.

“As we head towards autumn it’s also great that the shelter can help protect volunteers and participants from all weathers.

“The undercover area, seating and wheelchair-friendly picnic table will allow Xanthea and the team to host even more volunteer sessions, workshops and events, while also providing an indoor growing environment for year-round food production.

“The gardening sessions are open to all ages and abilities so I encourage you to take part, meet new people and learn some new skills!”