A THRIVING community garden in Okehampton has received a £5,000 boost from Great Western Railway as it prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

Okehampton Community Garden Association will use the grant to purchase a tractor mower for its one-acre plot of land, where members grow fruit, veg, herbs and flowers and host community events, well-being sessions and children’s activities. 

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator has a Communities and Education Programme to assist schools, colleges, community, and other not-for-profit organisations.

Okehampton Community Garden Association chairman Linda Harper said: ’A new, reliable tractor mower will be a game changer. Recently our mower was out of action for a month and we almost had to cancel some of our events. 2022 is our ten-year anniversary and we’ve already secured funding to host several activities.

’Covid-19 really put the garden on the map as it became a lifeline for people who lived alone or without a garden. As restrictions eased more people started getting involved - for those who were shielding it feels safe to engage with the garden now that restrictions have lifted.

’A recent member to the garden stated how much it has improved his mental and physical health since joining our team. He has really engaged with the project having moved to Okehampton weeks before the first lockdown.'

The association boasts around 180 members, with a core team of six managing the garden and members dropping in to help.

Well-being sessions resumed in September and children’s activities were staged throughout the summer holidays, with a children’s gardening club set to open next spring.

GWR community manager Emma Morris said: ’We’re delighted to be able to support Okehampton Community Garden Association with its purchase of a new tractor mower. 'With such a large area of grass to cut it’s clear they need some equipment which is up to the task.

’It’s obvious the garden plays such an important role in the community, not only providing food for members but also providing a space for well-being sessions and somewhere for children to play and enjoy the outdoors.’

Okehampton’s Community Garden was established in 2012 on the north edge of the town close to Dartmoor with the aim of bringing the community together, particularly those who may otherwise suffer from social isolation as well as encouraging gardening. It works towards providing members with new skills and training which they can bring into the wider community.

The site boasts a meeting place, compost toilet and polytunnel. Everything is grown organically and chemically free, and is shared out among the gardeners.

The garden holds gardening sessions every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It also holds monthly volunteer Sundays and regular social events.

Members are allowed to use the garden from dawn until dusk.

To find out more about Okehampton Community Garden Association visit facebook.com/OkehamptonCommunityGarden. Anyone interested can also contact Linda Harper at 07928 735956 or email [email protected]