Community Garden For Everyone

Solas Glan is a serene spot in the countryside where people can come together and build their very own Community Garden. We aim to provide a space for those involved to learn and grow in skills, knowledge and lifeskills through their experience in nature. An inclusive, safe place where all are welcome and friendships can develop. We want to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about biodiversity and sustainability through practical hands-on participation. We also feel it's important for our heritage to be passed down to the next generations through talks and projects eg. build cob/straw bale house.

There are ambitious plans for the garden - at one end there is the organic garden growing fruit and vegetables and there are also plans for a natural childrens play area, with a willow maze and board games re-created on the ground, as well as a sensory garden for people with disabilities and an area for small animals including ducks and rabbits. A woodland area duck pond, and crannóg form part of the overall plan. We have already been involved in saving some hens from horrendous conditions, held workshops and seminars on horticulture, cob building and garden crafts. Our garden is used by local groups e.g. mental health services, disability services, and youth services.

We aim to have an outdoor 'classroom' for children who struggle in the conventional system. This room will also be available for alternative therapists to provide free services to those in need. The space can be used as a training/workshop space.

We're off to a good start thanks to the enthusiastic volunteers involved and some local companies who've reduced costs. However, to take it to the next level we need funding. Money will be used to make the area fully accessible for those with disability or limited movement. This involves putting in special paths throughout and making compost toilets that are accessible as well as planning and planting a sensory garden with a horticulturist. We are in desperate need of a small tractor, fencing, duck pond, plastering for already built small shed, seeds and plants, tools. Especially a mower - At the moment, the land is hand mowed (such is the dedication of the volunteers!)