Whitburn Community Garden.

In only five years, Whitburn Community garden has developed over 20 raised beds, two polytunnels and a pond with a number of shelters and huts to support training and visitors.

The site was a patch of unused land beside the Community Education Centre and is now a space to share and gain knowledge, grow food, native flowers that benefit wildlife, and improve social links for people. A wildflower meadow and wide areas of plants have been created, while the fruit and vegetables are grown for local residents and also supply the Community Fridge.

There are various programmes running at the garden and schools visit so staff can work with children to develop their green skills.

Volunteers support a staff of two, the garden co-ordinator Clarissa and development worker Billie. The work has developed with the help of WLCAN’s Eco Fund. This included a freezer for the Community Development Trust that the garden is part of, to store surplus food, prolonging the life of locally grown produce.

More recently, equipment to expand community involvement was bought with Eco Funding. This included tools, gloves, decking, a rollable ramp to improve accessibility, and water butts to reduce water waste. Increasing community participation in horticulture and among those with health requirements is a key aim for the garden and increasing produce will further support community fridge in reducing food waste and hardship.

The CDT is in the process of acquiring the education centre next to the garden, and this will provide further opportunities for the community to get involved in volunteering, help the area develop its resilience to energy and food supply issues, increase skills and further reduce social isolation.

“By embedding knowledge, ownership, and practical skills within the community, the garden is well-positioned to become a long-term, self-sustaining resource.”

Clarissa is very happy with the progress of the garden and its continued potential as a nurturing resource for the area, adding: “As it continues to grow, the Whitburn Community Garden will remain a beacon of local resilience, learning, and environmental care for future generations.”

The garden welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, providing a shared space where individuals can connect with nature, learn sustainable practices, and contribute to local climate action. Volunteers range in age from 10 to 78, including local primary school pupils, families, older residents, and community members seeking to learn new skills and improve wellbeing.

It is also used by wider community groups, including recovery and mental health support groups, family organisations including KidzEco, and the wider public with events. Volunteers are always welcome. Take a look at them in action in this video.