In a stretch of ground in Lockleaze, Bristol, Simon is preparing his “famous lasagne”. Onlookers would be advised not to eat it, however, as this particular recipe is for layers of compost to fill a number of raised beds in the Buzz garden, a community-led project run by Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust.
Simon is a qualified horticulturist, who is currently “putting the soil to bed” for the winter. He is here every Tuesday morning to share his skills and knowledge free with residents who drop in. He used to work in theatre but suffered a brain injury and re-trained in horticulture following rehab, he says.
After the beds are prepared, Simon plans to plant a variety of things, including rainbow chard. The work aims to encourage residents to think about food waste, connect with green spaces and learn more about growing. His role is funded through BEC’s Megawatt Community Energy Fund, which the group received this year. BEC runs the fund with fellow community energy group Low Carbon Gordano, supporting climate-related projects in and around Bristol.
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust is a highly respected resident-led hub, which has run for 25 years. They were among the first to write up a Community Climate Action Plan, which formed part of their work to create a community-managed green corridor down the centre of the ward.
The community is in an area of high deprivation in Bristol, with life expectancy around seven years less than someone living in a neighbouring ward, according to project coordinator Fairbraida . It is also the fourth most diverse ward in Bristol.
On a tour of the garden, Community Activator for the trust, Maria Perrett, describes the range of people who use the site, from home-education groups to teenagers. She explains there is a lot of new housing being constructed in the area, and part of the aim of the community garden is to bring everyone together.
“We want to develop culturally diverse planting, and set up advocates for peer learning and support,” she said.
“Having local, resident staff sessions encourages participation and supports residents to plan and shape the space to meet their needs-resident led,” Maria said. “Increasing opportunities for learning together locally, utilizing green spaces and ensuring they continue to be resident led/for community use is very important especially as our community is expanding due to housing development.”
