We’re excited to share that our new Community Garden at Alconbury Weald is now open for everyone—residents and community groups alike. We designed this space together with our neighbours, making sure it’s a place for growing, meeting, and enjoying activities side by side. The garden sits right next to our second area of allotments, giving even more room for shared experiences.
At our launch event in April, we invited residents to try out all sorts of activities. People planted bulbs, scattered wildflower seeds, worked out with kettlebells, and even took part in mindful yoga sessions. The garden was buzzing with energy and laughter. Children explored every corner and listened to professional storyteller Marion Leeper, who whisked them away on interactive adventures with props and audience participation.
We’ve set aside 23 allotment plots and left extra grassy space that will grow and change as new residents move in and volunteers join us. The garden features raised and tabletop timber planters—including ones designed for wheelchair use—trellises for berries, a community orchard, a roofed storytelling area, and a pergola for group activities. Every detail was shaped by feedback from our community.
To help us get started, we brought in Adam Castleton, who’s supported similar spaces in Peterborough. Adam is here to support our early volunteers, organise activities, and help us plan for the future.
It has been lovely to meet and work with so many enthusiastic individuals, couples and families during the tree planting session in March, the launch event in April and our Community Garden Club sessions in June and July.
The community garden is really starting to flourish but there is always lots to do, and it will continue to grow and evolve through the different seasons.
Adam Castleton,
Community Garden Activator
It has been an amazing journey bringing the Community Garden to life – from initial ideas from residents, through design with Groundwork East, further consultation and now here we are: in a space that we hope will provide a peaceful sanctuary for residents to switch off, invest in their mental health and immerse themselves in nature.
Natalie Leigh-Brown.
Community Development Lead for Alconbury Weald
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, and we can’t wait to see how the Community Garden continues to grow and bring people together. There’s so much more to come, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new faces, new ideas, and new memories in the seasons ahead.
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