People find new life on the oldest allotment site in the country

Contribution to sustainable development and people’s quality of life:

The Community gardens are a place where all sections of the community can meet up and find new interests. Our activities are all based around developing ways that people can live in harmony with their environment and find harmony within themselves.

Organisation: Ecoworks

Sector: Voluntary

Location: Nottingham

Start Date: The project has been running since 1993

Summary: The project allows people from the community to get involved with gardening, crafts, art and other activities that have as their guiding theme sustainability and care for the environment. We have always worked closely with the mental health sector and actively encourage the participation of the disadvantaged sections of the community.

Background: Ecoworks gardens provide a tranquil setting within a mile of the city centre where people from all backgrounds can meet. The gardens are a place of healing at all levels. People find their own rhythm of work and recreation. It is a place of respite from the struggles and pressures of modern living and also a place of empowerment where nature is the healer and guide.

Project Results: Volunteers learn new skills and sometimes find new careers. They develop an awareness of their environmental responsibility in a non judgemental way. People experience improvements in health, both mentally and physically; they make new friends and even find new partners and spouses. The project is a non stop learning experience that touches on different areas of life.

Keywords: Tranquil, empowering, evolving, transformative.

Contact Details:

Ecoworks

61 Mansfield Road

Nottingham

NG1 3FN

Tel: 0115 911 2522

Mobile: 07968 484796

E-mail:ecoworks@gn.apc.org

Added: 10 April 2006