Hello, fellow nature enthusiasts! We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Avon Wildlife Trust site, Grow Wilder, for the Team Wilder Community Campfire event, and it was nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we recount our memorable day and share valuable insights that we gained from this incredible experience.
Team Wilder: A Local Movement with a Global Impact
Team Wilder embodies the spirit of appreciating and preserving nature on a local scale. By addressing the worldwide issue of biodiversity loss one community at a time, they make conservation and sustainable living achievable and, most importantly, the "new norm." This ethos resonates deeply with our mission at Got Greens Farm, where we believe in fostering a connection between people and nature through community gardening.
Community Engagement: The Key to Success
One of the key takeaways from our visit was the importance of community engagement in building a thriving green space. Sara Venn from Incredible Edible Bristol taught us that when setting up a community garden, it's essential to start by knocking on doors in the surrounding neighbourhood. This not only helps to gain support from the locals but also creates a sense of inclusivity and shared responsibility.
Co-Designing with the Community
To truly make the community feel like they're part of the journey and take ownership of the space, co-designing is the way to go. Incredible Edible's approach of involving the community in the design process struck a chord with us. It fosters a greater sense of belonging and ensures that the garden becomes a "sustainable community asset."
Showcasing Your Efforts
Team Wilder shared another valuable tip: don't forget to spread the word. Getting featured in local newspapers and magazines can help raise awareness about your community garden. Share what you're growing and what exciting events are happening at your garden to keep the community engaged and informed.
Diverse Events for All
One of the highlights of our visit was learning about the diverse events that Bristol's community gardens host. From book clubs to refugee groups, and even making your own pizza. Across Bristol people have created welcoming spaces where people can come together and connect with nature. Offering opportunities for individuals to cook their own food fosters a sense of self-sufficiency and community.
Consistency is Key
Lastly, Team Wilder emphasised the importance of running regular work sessions at a consistent time. This not only helps to maintain the garden but also builds a sense of routine and reliability for the community members who want to get involved.
As always, our visit to Grow Wilder was a true eye-opener. We witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that a dedicated community can have on the environment and the people living around it. As we continue our journey at Got Greens Farm, we are inspired to apply these valuable lessons and further strengthen our bond with the community.
Remember, it's the small steps, taken collectively, that can create a more biodiverse and sustainable world. We're grateful to Team Wilder, Incredible Edible, and Divina Botanical for their inspiring talks and to Grow Wilder for opening their doors and sharing their wisdom.
Stay tuned as we embark on our own journey to cultivate community and biodiversity right here at Got Greens Farm. Together, we can make a difference, one green thumb at a time!
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