This week, we are celebrating Community Garden Week, a time to recognise the incredible impact of community gardens in bringing people together, supporting sustainability, and enhancing well-being. Across Erdington, these shared green spaces play a vital role in fostering connection and creating a healthier, greener environment for everyone.

Community gardens are more than just green spaces; they are vibrant hubs of activity, learning, and connection. These shared spaces bring neighbours together, helping to reduce isolation and foster a strong sense of community. Beyond this, community gardens offer valuable educational and recreational opportunities, allowing people to learn new gardening skills while enjoying a peaceful environment. They contribute to a greener, more biodiverse urban landscape, enhancing the local environment for everyone. These gardens inspire collective care and responsibility, strengthening the bonds that make a community thrive.

At Witton Lodge, we are especially proud of the efforts of Friends of Witton Lakes (FOWL) and their dedication to maintaining and nurturing the Velvet Community Orchard at Witton Lakes Eco Hub. Friends of Witton Lakes is a passionate group of residents committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Witton Lakes. Their work at the Velvet Community Orchard is a fantastic example of how community-led initiatives can make a real difference.

The Velvet Community Orchard, created in 2009, was made possible through the generous support of Velvet Toilet Tissue. Their vision was to bring a touch of nature to an urban space in Birmingham, and they did just that by planting thirteen beautiful trees, donating a bench and a wooden arc, and adding a splash of colour with a vibrant rainbow shed. Today, this shed serves as a handy storage space for bikes, activity equipment, and essential tools to help maintain the park for everyone to enjoy.

FOWL members meet regularly to maintain and improve the orchard and Witton Lakes Park, ensuring they remain valuable spaces for the community. Their activities range from litter picks, which help keep the area clean and green, to seasonal gardening and planting, ensuring the fruit trees and plants thrive. They also hold regular duckling watches to protect local wildlife and hold workshops and community events that encourage people and local schools to get involved, learn new skills, and connect with nature.

As we move fully into spring, FOWL members Linda and John are leading special seed workshops for Community Garden Week. These hands-on sessions at Witton Lakes Eco Hub offer a fantastic opportunity for local residents to come along, plant seeds, and even swap with other community members – a wonderful way to share knowledge, grow together, and cultivate a greener future!

· Sowing Seeds with John (Gardening Advice) 11:00am to 12:00pm

· Seed Library Launch with Linda 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Many groups across Erdington, like FOWL, are dedicated to nurturing community gardens, offering residents a welcoming space to get involved. If you’re interested in finding a community garden near you, visit the RHS Community Gardening website to explore local initiatives.

Let’s celebrate Community Garden Week by recognising the hard work of community groups in supporting these vital green spaces for future generations!