AN exciting initiative to provide Okehampton with a new community space could get the go ahead later this month.

The proposed Okehampton Community Garden would be sited on Fatherford Road, near the current allotments.

It would provide a new green space for the community to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and invite all residents of the town from varying walks of life, including the elderly, the disabled, teenagers and families, to take part.

Members of the garden will be able to share their expertise during community garden days to be held twice a week, and share out harvested produce.

A steering group of five Okehampton residents has been working with Lois Gallimore, community projects officer of Devon food project supporter HogCO (Home Grown Community Owned) and Karen Percival, the clerk of Okehampton United Charity, to develop the community garden.

Fran Rickwood, a member of the steering group, said: 'A community garden in Okehampton will help to strengthen our robust community spirit by drawing on the skills and experiences of all parts of the community and learning from each other. 

'It is hoped that by helping the community to produce more of its own fresh produce we will be able to become more self-reliant.  Over time we are hoping that we will also be in a position to support and work with other local fresh produce suppliers and markets.'

The team behind the project are currently working on a detailed garden design abiding by a series of aims and objectives for the project.

The group has looked at other community gardens for inspiration, including a successful visit to the community garden in Bovey Tracey.

The proposed site for the garden is owned by Okehampton United Charity and is currently being used for pasture. The team are due to present their garden design and plans to the charity in January, which will release the land for the garden should the plans meet their approval.

Ideas being considered for the detailed plan include an orchard, a children's area for growing vegetables and flowers, a wildlife area, a community composting area and borehole to supply the garden with water.

Ongoing projects that could be carried out at the garden include courses on how to make jams and chutneys, selling seeds to raise funds for the garden, an apple pressing day, growing cut flowers to sell, and Devon hedge building and dry-stone wall building classes.

The team is looking for ideas from the community so that the garden can provide exactly what is required by local people.

They are also compiling a database of people from Okehampton and Okehampton Hamlets interested in getting involved with the project in any way, particularly as a gardener or a 'friend of the garden'.

Fundraising for the project has begun, with the team raising £240 at the Okehampton Market opposite Waitrose over the Christmas period.

As well as raising money, the team is looking for donations of plant pots, garden equipment, seeds, and anything else that could be useful as they set up the garden.

To make a donation to the project, make cheques payable to Okehampton Community Garden at Upcott House, Upcott Hill, Okehampton, EX20 1SQ.

If you are interested in becoming a gardener or friend of the project, can donate any items or wish to share your opinions on what the garden should include, e-mail steering group member Fran Rickwood on [email protected]">[email protected]