What a summer!

In a year when temperatures in Suffolk hit 37 degrees C, when the rain stayed away and ponds and reservoirs shrank, when wildfires tore through our countryside, you could be forgiven for thinking it was not a good year to establish a community garden and run a twelve-week gardening project, on an exposed south facing hilltop with no shade and no water…….

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However, this is just what Wild Heritage Suffolk did at Oaks Meadow this summer. And we had a ball. Our community gardening project, Let It Grow, funded by Mid Suffolk Council, had the dual role of nourishing both plants and people. Over a three-month period, it welcomed a range of participants, all of whom were encountering difficulties of some kind and created a space for people to learn and for plants to grow. Not only did the participants and volunteers learn about sowing seeds and raising and harvesting a variety of herbs and veg and flowers, but also to build relationships and find companionship. Together the participants, volunteers and the Let It Grow team created a happy, encouraging and productive summer project. 

 

Let It Grow, which we plan to run annually, culminated in a joyous Garden Party celebrating the many fruits of our labours. We were delighted to welcome friends and families as well as distinguished guests Alan Edwards, Deputy Mayor of Stowmarket Town Council and leading councillors, Lorraine Baker and Andy Mellor from Mid Suffolk. To cap it all, members of the magnificent King Driscolls, joined to party creating a magical musical finale to a fabulous event. 

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Wild Suffolk Heritage relocated to Oaks Meadow only a year ago. Let It Grow was our first major project here but we have been actively supporting the development of this brilliant community open space in other ways too. We have installed raised growing beds, an accessible route from the car park, a six-cubic-metre rainwater harvesting system, as well as composting facilities. Tools have been bought and the Wild Hut our outdoor classroom, houses a community library of gardening and wellbeing books, and provides a welcoming space for learning and events. 

 

Much has been achieved in a relatively short period and under very difficult growing conditions. And there is still a lot to do. The summer project has helped to identify the infrastructure, crop choices and growing approaches needed to make the site more climate resilient.

 

We can’t do it alone. We welcome your help and ideas. If you are interested in shaping the future of the new garden or could give some time to a bit of watering and weeding we would be delighted to hear from you. 

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This winter we plan to organise occasional volunteer days. We will post information about dates for this on our website www.wildheritagesuffolk.com or you can let us know that you are interested by email us directly at info@wildheritagesuffolk,com and request more information.