The Great Aycliffe Gardeners Guild, made up of green fingered volunteers from the local community have pooled their skills to repurpose unused land located on the old One Shop site in Newton Aycliffe.
In partnership with us, Durham County Council and Great Aycliffe Town Council they are working towards gaining official status that enables them to secure planning permission and funding to purchase huts and containers to finish off the project.
"We've worked hard to meet the needs of the community and the passionate gardeners in the town and surrounding area. I'm hoping to promote a more sustainable way of thinking and use gardening to support this." Ged Crossen, Chair of Great Aycliffe Gardeners Guild.
The Guild will offer gardening knowledge through an activity program delivered to community groups and local schools, increasing awareness of the benefits, such as mental health and fitness attributes.
An onsite eco shop selling a range of products will also be available.
“This a great example of local residents with a passion for gardening and horticulture who, with support from partners and colleagues have an aim to establish a self-sufficient community resource that provides long-lasting benefits for everyone to enjoy.” Andy Coulthard, Community Regeneration Manager.
If you have a project you are looking to fund you may be entitled to receive our place-based improvement grant.
Pictured: Gerrard Crossen, Brian Riley, Lee Williams, Byron Middleton, Diane Nattrass, Dolores Atkinson, Louise Barbe, Diane Raistrick, Deidre Scanlon, Angela Blanchard and Kenny Green