New community garden to be installed at Bramshaw Village Hall
But first it'll be displayed at the BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair at Beaulieu
A new community garden, designed with the help of local groups, will soon be installed at Bramshaw village hall in the New Forest.
Home-schooled children and adults working with Solent Mind have put it together, with local award-winning designer Leigh Johnstone.
The 'Forest of Calm' will first go on display at the BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair at Beaulieu in the first weekend of May.
It'll then be moved to a permanent home in Bramshaw, for the local community to enjoy to help maintain.
The garden's aim is to 'reflect the many benefits that creative opportunities and a connection with nature can have on our mental wellbeing'.
Designer Leigh Johnstone said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be working on this project; one that means so much to me both as a local resident and a frequent user of the New Forest National Park. I have designed this garden, alongside local people, to reflect how being outdoors and immersing ourselves in nature, that is often just on our doorsteps, can be a great way to support our mental health and wellbeing.
"For someone who suffers from poor mental health, creating spaces that encourage people to connect with plants and the natural world is so important. I hope that the garden will provide inspiration and joy, and inspire even more people to get outside.”
The project has been supported and funded by New Forest District Council, Culture in Common, and the New Forest National Park Authority.
Cllr Dan Poole, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Safety, and Wellbeing at New Forest District Council, said:
“We’re extremely proud to be working together with local creatives and our partners Culture in Common and New Forest National Park Authority on this incredible project. Together, we’re continuing to develop creative opportunities in the district that benefit our residents’ mental and physical wellbeing and reflect our appreciation for our local environment. It’s fantastic that our residents will continue to enjoy “A Forest of Calm” for many years to come.”
Jacqui Ibbotson, Programme Director of Culture in Common, said:
“We are so pleased to have found a perfect location and group to work with Leigh (The Beardy Gardener) on this project. The trustees of Bramshaw Village Hall have been wanting to plant a garden for a long time and the young people that meet there every week are thrilled to be helping to design and build it, not to mention enjoy the excitement of being part of the BBC event in Beaulieu in May.”