Ongoing support to keep Broadford’s community garden, village paths and other green spaces attractive and accessible, and facilitate community growing and horticultural therapy projects.
Estimated Cost
£15,000
What we want to do
The community gardening project brings positive change to our area by caring for Broadford’s community green and growing spaces, keeping them accessible and attractive to all. An important element of the project is to look after the much-loved Broadford Community Garden in the village centre, a restorative environment for the local community (particularly older people and families) as well as a valuable resource that encourages visitors to linger longer in our area. Through this project we also maintain other green spaces such as the Callum Robertson Memorial Garden, keep paths and other shared areas safe and tidy. It also helps maintain community allotments at the Growers Hub (community allotments site) that are available to all and support healthy eating and local food production.
This work is carried out by a part-time Community Gardener, supported where possible by community volunteers. This post was created in 2022, initially supported by the HERO fund. The local feedback was so positive that we have worked hard since then to sustain the role through external fundraising (including grants and private donations) and our own charity funds. We receive no regular funding for this, and many people are surprised that this service is delivered by a local charity rather than being a HIghland Council service.
Local plans & policies: Skye & Lochalsh Local Place Plan (LPP) identifies the Community Garden as a cherished green space and amenity space (see pp. 18, 35). The range of activities offered at the Growers Hub were also highlighted in the consultation (see p. 23). The LPP also highlighted the importance of paths, some of which (e.g. Pier Path) are maintained and kept tidy as part of this project.
The Skye & Raasay Future study points to the importance of the green economy and of avoiding ‘drive by tourism’ by encouraging visitors to spend longer in our area – something that enhanced green and growing spaces support. Feedback: We receive a huge amount of positive feedback from the community, particularly on social media.
Sample community comments:
“[The Community Gardener] has made a massive improvement around the village. I especially appreciate all the hard work she has put into all the paths.”“What an improvement!”
“A miracle worker!”
“What a difference your hard work makes!”
“Looks fabulous!”
“Doing Broadford proud!”
'What an amazing difference all your efforts have made”
“Well done, keep up the good work”
“Thank you for keeping the village looking so beautiful!”
“Thanks for keeping Broadford looking so lovely”
Outcomes:
Increased pride in local area
Amenity enhancements, making Broadford and Strath a more pleasant place to live and visit for our locals and many visitors.
Improved health and well-being – green spaces have proven health benefits for all. The Community Gardener also supports our 'Flourish Together' horticultural therapy programme at the Growers Hub.
Increased access to local healthy food – by helping to maintain the Community Allotments Volunteers have opportunities for learning
2022 – Community Gardener role created, funded through Highland Council HERO fund, Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund and other sources.
Subsequent funding has been through: BSCC own funds (through Trading arm Strath Leisure); Just Giving appeal to local businesses and community; CRF funding; Rabbie’s, Co-op Community Fund and others – see list at https://www.broadfordandstrath.org/project/community-gardener/
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