In the summer of 2019 we began our first Aylesbury Garden Town community food growing project, in partnership with Community GROW and St Peter’s Church, in the heart of the community in Quarrendon.

The Healthy Living Centre Community Garden started in early January and was warmly received by local-residents and visitors to the centre. The public garden area was tired and overgrown but with the help of volunteers the area was cleared, spring bulbs planted and preparations made to build raised beds to increase the size of the growing space.

The idea for the Bierton Community Allotment came from local resident and former teacher, Louise Gattward, who was keen to continue the community spirit fostered through lockdown and to provide opportunities for people to come together with a shared interest. She had three main aims for the project: • To offer a safe space to enjoy the outdoors with others, promoting positive mental well-being. • To learn from each other the benefits of growing and harvesting your own produce. • To overcome barriers to social inclusion. Aylesbury Garden Town was delighted to support Louise in creating the community allotment, working in partnership with Bierton Parish Council.