Moving a bit further than what we see in the busy, lively and old aesthetic city centre of Oxford, a different kind of project brought together the Oxford Community. On the 13th of May, at Townsend Square, a new food garden officially opened, an Oxford local achievement.
Led by the Earthwatch Europe charity and the Donnington Tenants and Residence association, an unused patch of empty grass took the shape of a vibrant community centre. Perhaps the project might not seem overly grand – four raised platers, a dedicated herb bed, a picnic bench and some other additional seating – but if we look beyond it, it shows great local engagement and initiative!
More than just a project, I would like to call it a miracle as it helped connect groups of the Oxford community together – Donnington’s 50+ Group who meet to exercise nearby have volunteered to look after the garden’s plants, while the special herb section of the garden has been specifically planted to serve as fresh ingredients for the cafe at Donnington Doorstep.
The work for this community garden actually started back in April when there was a planting day where local retirees alongside toddlers from the family centre set out the foundation that inspired the initiative of the project – when people are given the opportunity to do something as a community and for their community, they can genuinely create a meaningful good.
The project was supported by the City and County Councils, who also fixed the play area nearby the garden.
Therefore, we can see that we do not need a lot to create something significant within our communities and that any small initiative can lead to something nice!
If able be sure to go check such local work out and maybe try the Friday meals served at the Cafe – made with community grown herbs!
