Thieves Lane Community Garden annual report 6[th] Jan 2022 – 31[st] March 2023
Introduction:
Thieves Lane Community Garden is a project inspired by residents and Councillors in Sele Ward in Hertford, in which a disused and overgrown plot of land on the Sele estate be converted into a community space for all. The plot of land is owned by East Herts District Council, and the district council has offered some additional support to the community and has been supportive of the project.
Summary of activities from Jan 2022 until March 2023:
The area of land intended to become a community garden was incredibly overgrown, having been left largely untouched for a good ten years or more. As such, much of the year 2022 focused on preparing the land to make it suitable to begin use as a garden. We were also keen to ensure that future plans for the space were developed in line with the views and ideas of residents living nearby.
To ensure residents were actively involved in developing the garden design, we organised a visioning workshop, which was led by a local permaculture organisation. This involved a day workshop exploring ideas and options, and from this, a plan for the space was developed. We worked to ensure that the plan was shared widely with residents so that they could comment and continue adding their input.
As the year progressed, we continued our work to clear the garden, and in this, we received support from Network Homes. We also continued developing and fine-tuning plans for what to plant and how best to manage garden safety and security.
By March 2023, the garden had already progressed significantly, having been successfully cleared, and the group having a clear plan for next steps. The charity was also delighted to receive grant support from Hertford Town Council, which would be put towards garden supplies and equipment.
Thieves Lane Community Garden Accounts 6[th] Jan 2022 – 31[st] March 2023
| Income | Expenditure | |
|---|---|---|
| Charitable donations | £368 | |
| Grants | £2,400 | |
| Community engagement | £45 | |
| Visioningworkshop(s) | £590 | |
| Insurance | £89 | |
| Total | £2,768 | £724 |