New community garden opens outside Chichester - In pictures

The 685-square-metre Earth Cycle Community Garden was officially opened at the Aldingbourne Country Centre, in Norton, on Thursday (September 10).

The project has been developed by Earth Cycle, the Aldingbourne Trust and sustainable garden designer Lynne Lambourne.

It has transformed what was previously an unused field into a community space designed to support learning, wellbeing, sustainability and biodiversity.

The garden includes seasonal planting, fruit and vegetable plots, wildflower areas, accessible pathways, raised beds, seating and an outdoor classroom.

It also features an allotment area where the Aldingbourne team can grow fruit and vegetables.

Sustainability has been a key consideration in the project, with wildlife-friendly planting and environmentally friendly growing methods used throughout.

Raised beds and seating have been created by the Aldingbourne Trust's woodwork team using repurposed materials.

The garden is intended to be used by visitors, school groups, staff, volunteers and people supported by the Aldingbourne Trust, which supports people with learning disabilities and autism.

Earth Cycle, a local supplier of recycled soils and composts, fully funded the project, allowing it to be delivered without diverting resources from the Trust's day-to-day operations.

Mike Jupp, commercial director at Earth Cycle and The Woodhorn Group, said: “This is a very exciting project, and we are delighted to be working with the Aldingbourne team and Lynne Lambourne to bring this garden to life.

“It’s really important to us to help encourage people to enjoy outdoor spaces - time in the green is vital for mental health.

“We’re also committed to supporting community initiatives which help people and green spaces thrive.”

Alicia Gooderson, Chief Operating Officer at Aldingbourne Trust, said the project had been a ‘community effort’.

She said the trust's workshop team had created the raised beds, while its horticulture team had grown vegetables, herbs and salad from seed in its greenhouses.

Feedback from people involved in the project has included reports of increased confidence, a sense of achievement and improved wellbeing from spending time outdoors and contributing to the shared space.

Lynne Lambourne, who has worked on gardens for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Ideal Home Show, designed the new garden.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be working with the Aldingbourne Trust on designing this garden.

“Having had the privilege of creating show gardens at Chelsea, it’s incredibly rewarding to bring my skills to life on a project that will have such a meaningful and lasting impact.

“This garden will be a space that nurtures wellbeing, connection and opportunity for so many people.”

Earth Cycle is part of The Woodhorn Group, a family-run business based near Chichester which was established in 1882 and includes an organic dairy, arable farm and green waste recycling business.