Garden share scheme to get Hexham growing

Keen gardener Kathryn Roper only had a small yard to put her skills to use at her Hexham home, and had waited years for an allotment to become vacant

But now thanks to an innovative garden sharing scheme she will have a whole back garden to cultivate - free of charge.

Kathryn has been out in touch with a nearby neighbour, Peter Gorn, who has a back garden which he is more than happy to share - and the Tynedale Garden Share scheme will see him getting a share of the produce Kathryn grows.

Kathryn and Peter signed Tynedale's first garden share agreement this week at No.28, the office of the Hexham East Regeneration Project.

Tynedale Garden Share is a scheme run by environmental campaigners Transition Tynedale and supported by Grace Burke, the Hexham East regeneration officer whose work is jointly funded by Milecastle Housing and Northumberland County Council.

The scheme aims to match committed, enthusiastic growers with local garden owners who want to see their garden being used more productively.

Susan Hick, from Transition Tynedale, said: "This is a win / win situation for both parties. Peter has the satisfaction of seeing his garden used productively again and Kathryn has access to land to grow fruit and veg for her family.

"Transition Tynedale is actively encouraging people to 'grow their own' for many reasons - health, nutrition, cutting the carbon footprint of the food we eat - and nothing tastes better than home grown veg!"

Transition Tynedale is looking for more people in the area, to join the garden share scheme, particularly if anybody has an unused garden they are willing to share.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Sue Hick,on 07881 953489.

The garden behind the community house at No.28 (28 Derwent Road, Hexham), is now being transformed by Transition Tynedale volunteers into a demonstration veg garden.

It will be used to show how easy it is to grow vegetables, and how much can be grown in a typical back garden. The food produced will be eaten by groups accessing No.28 and the nearby SureStart Children's Centre.

To get involved, contact Grace on 01434 605553.