A group that runs a Ruddington allotment has secured more vital cash to support its gardening space which aids residents’ health and mental wellbeing.
The Rushcliffe Social Prescribing Group co-ordinates a plot at the ‘Paradise Gardens’ allotments, off Wilford Road, and has received the grant from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s ‘Reach Rushcliffe Fund’. It builds on the group first getting funding in 2021 with the money helping to purchase essentials and making the site accessible. It’s provided an additional pathway for patients of social prescribing to access this space, leading to excellent attendance over the last year so the group sees the work as a long-term project.
This year’s funding has been spent on installing new raised beds in an unused part of the plot facilitating volunteers to easily plant and grow various vegetables. A fruit cage will be bought by the group to protect fruit bushes this autumn ready for growing and harvesting berries next summer.
Also a Ruddington-based landscape gardener has been employed to help transform the space, including paving pathways to assist accessibility to under-represented groups, such as people with mobility issues.
The funding was additionally used on buying compost, soil, seeds and plants (growing well, as you’ll see in the photos) and to be more eco-friendly, e.g. guttering has been installed on the site’s summer house to collect rainwater for the plants.
The plot was originally donated by Ruddington Parish Council. The project aims to give residents at risk of social isolation or loneliness in our village a quiet space to socialise, learn about gardening and to meet with likeminded residents. It has also helped those with mental health and physical health to work on their wellbeing.
“The space is so beautiful and has already come such a long way from when we originally supported the group’s work two years’ ago, it’s brilliant to be able to revisit and see such great progress and hear it has grown in popularity” says RBC’s Deputy Leader Councillor Abby Brennan.
She met with members of the Social Prescribing Group and is pictured in the middle below with (L to R) Laura Steed, Sophie Taylor, Sofi Melvin and Morgan Sharpe.
Cllr Brennan explains: “It is vital we continue to support individuals within our community who may be at risk of social isolation and loneliness and this project offers an ideal response to people seeking a safe and comforting environment. We know it’s so important to spend time outdoors in the fresh air due to the positive impacts of actions such as gardening on our mental and physical health. Spaces such as the allotment are the perfect place to build a friendly and welcoming environment for anyone who attends.”
The Council feels the funding offers additional benefits including increased awareness of Social Prescribing – promoted through Rushcliffe GP Surgeries – and its championed by local Parish Councillors.
Other organisations that aim to reduce social isolation in Rushcliffe are encouraged to apply for funding through the Reach Rushcliffe Fund >>HERE<<.
