Registered Charity Number: 511721

Community Garden

In partnership with; Brighten Up Great Ayton, Great Ayton Parish Council, and local Rotary Groups we are delighted to announce the creation of the Yatton House Community Garden in Great Ayton.

Funding

Thanks to funding from the Margaret Mawston Environmental Trust and several local Rotary groups, Yatton House Society were able to move forward with plans for a community garden. The garden has been created on the site of an old allotment opposite Yatton House and will be managed by Yatton House with support from the Brighten Up Great Ayton group, Great Ayton Parish Council and representatives of local Rotary groups.

The garden will:
• Provide a safe and accessible community garden and space for groups and individuals.
• Provide a space which is fully inclusive by ensuring accessibility and safety are central to the design.
• Bring different sections of the community together.
• Promote awareness of mental health and loneliness.
• Champion environmental impact and climate change through wildlife, biodiversity, and the growing of sustainable organic fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Deliver educational experiences.

The Task Ahead

The First Working Party

A working party was held in April 2022 to tidy up the area ready for work on a shelter, paths and beds to start. There was a variety of activities taking place from exploring ways to remove nettles, salvaging bits of concrete and metal to discussing what to plant.

Pathway & Shelter

In July and August 2022 it was exciting to see work began on the Pathway, Shelter, and Raised Beds. Thompson Timber Works did an amazing job and it was lovely to see the garden take shape.

Tackling The Nettles

With the good weather holding on into September a further gathering of Rotarians and volunteers took the opportunity to start digging out the nettles and preparing the ground for some potential late autumn planting. The focus of the next stage is firstly; the creation two “hot borders” running either side of the main path which, over time, will be planted with bright vibrant perennials.

Kings Academy

As winter approached The King’s Academy Sixth Form spent several Wednesday afternoon’s sifting soil and filling and preparing the raised beds ready for planting and have been busy preparing the tyres for the Sensory Garden.

Planting the Fruit Bushes

With Spring on the horizon members from the Brighten Up Great Ayton Group began planting the fruit area. Currant and gooseberry bushes were planted along with raspberry canes and rhubarb plants.

Coop Local Community Fund

Thank you to everyone that supported the Community Garden Project through the Coop Local Community Fund. Your contributions raised a total of £7220.56, this money will be used to complete phase 2 creating seating, arbor and trellis works.

Volunteering

If you are interested in becoming a regular volunteer or would like to make a donation please contact Yatton House admin@yattonhouse.org.uk

Local Community Groups and Organisation

If your local Community Group, School, or Organisation would like to be involved or offer support please let us know.