Archbishop’s Park Community Trust (APCT) is a small charity looking after various gardens within Archbishop’s Park. The Trust cares for a variety of areas within the park, including a pond, bog garden, woodland walk, orchard and apiary, with the aim of encouraging wildlife and boosting biodiversity.
The focus, however, is on health and wellbeing, and APCT run a Friday afternoon gardening club for members of the local community who wish to volunteer. The club welcomes those who have experienced mental health difficulties, those who are lonely or isolated, or those who might otherwise find it difficult to access green space. It is a supportive and welcoming environment, allowing people to connect with nature and with each other. At the end of every session, group members sit down for tea, cake and a chat – an essential part of what the group is about!
Anyone who wishes to volunteer can contact APCT to take part in the regular sessions. APCT also take referrals from local voluntary and statutory organisations working with clients who might benefit from the gardening club.
With spring on its way, the gardening club is open to new members, and there is plenty to do!
You can contact Nicky Buley (Community Gardening Manager) for more information, and to find out how to refer (contact details at the top of the page).
Further details are available on the website www.apctrust.co.uk
