Community Growing Space opens at Caw

Masie Crawford at her growing space with Mark Hunter and Rolf Hamilton from the Housing Executive, Cllr Drew Thompson, Chairman of Caw/Nelson Drive Action group, Stephen Stewart, Avril McAlister, Area Manager, Linda Watson and Stephen Proctor, Housing Executive. Photo: Tom Heaney, nwpresspics

The Housing Executive Grounds team has been working with the Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group to create the new space at Sperrin Park, close to the Crescent Community and Cultural Centre.

The official opening of the garden on Friday was the last duty of Stephen Stewart, an avid allotment gardener, who retired after 46 years as the Housing Executive’s Waterside district maintenance manager.

Radio gardening expert, Gareth Austin, has also held workshops at the growing space over the last month.

Local people who will be using the plots at the Community Growing Space at Sperrin Park in the Waterside. Photo: Tom Heaney, nwpresspics

The growing space has been established to allow older men and women living on the estate to come together to learn how to grow their own vegetables as well as building a better sense of community.

Linda Watson, coordinator of Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group, welcomed the new facility.

“Once again, we are delighted to have worked in partnership with the Housing Executive’s grounds team in creating this wonderful space in the heart of our community,” she said.

“It’s all about people getting out of the house, learning how to grow vegetables and flowers from seeds and sharing ideas.

Linda Watson, Co-Ordinator, Caw Nelson Drive Action Group, with local growers, Masie Crawford and Vivian McConachie. Photo: Tom Heaney, nwpresspics

“We are really looking forward to seeing the vision coming to fruition over the coming months and hopefully the residents who will be looking after the beds will get many hours of pleasure from the space.”

Stephen Proctor, Housing Executive Grounds Supervisor, said the growing space would benefit local people by improving physical and mental health through regular outdoor activities.

“It will educate and empowering them to improve their dietary intake and also offers an opportunity to acquire new skills,” he said.

“This positive use of outdoor space to teach people where their food comes from at a time and have access to healthy and affordable food is vital.

“This type of project has shown that there is a reduction in anti-social behaviour within estates because there is a greater sense of ownership of green spaces.”