Gardian Guardians
The garden is growing and developing and the intention is that it will be open to the community every day of the year for people to use for projects, workshops, meetings, gardening or simply sitting in the sun, reading a book or having a picnic with friends.
Alongside this the Trustees are developing a ‘Garden Guardian’ scheme of local community members who will staff the garden on a voluntary basis. Although the hope is that Guardians will offer a regular time commitment to the garden (such as one afternoon a month), all offers of time – however infrequent – will be gratefully received. The Guardians will help ensure that the gates are opened in the morning or secured at the end of the day. Download the
Opening Times
Our minimum opening times are Easter to early autumn: Saturday and Sunday 11.00 – 2.00 and 2.00 – 5.00. Opening times for the garden will be published on the gate.
The Trustees plan to extend this to weekday sessions as the scheme develops. We are also encouraging community groups and schools to become keyholders (see note below) and to use the garden during the week.
What are the expectations of a Garden Guardian?
If you agree to be a Guardian we will put you on the rota for an agreed slot (see opening sessions above). The membership secretary holds a list of all Garden Guardians and will establish the Garden Guardian ‘rota’ for times agreed and negotiated with the Guardians in advance.
Garden Guardians are Asked to:
• Open the gate (if a morning session)
• Encourage use of the space for activities in the aims, objectives and the community spirit of the garden
• Uncover the sandpit if any people with children’s visit the site and make sure it is covered at the end of the session
• Remind visitors if necessary of the health and safety policies which will be posted on the notice board – including prohibition of alcohol and drugs on site
• Report damages or hazards to the membership secretary or other trustee
• Ensure that no rubbish or tools are left out at the end of the session (all visitors to the garden are asked to take away an waste materials and rubbish they bring on to the site – unless it can be composted or used in the garden construction)
• Ensure the shed is locked and the key returned to the yurt
• Ensure the minimum amount of water from the tap (water for use other than cooking or drinking can be taken from the containers at the side of the shed) and to make sure the tap is turned off after use
• To ensure that the compost toilet is used according to the instructions and left in a clean and orderly state.
• If using the woodburner or the firepit, to supply our own wood/charcoal and undertake a risk assessment and supervise at all times. Also to make sure all fire is put out before you leave site.
• Ensure that the gate is locked at the end of the day (if an afternoon session)
Garden Guardians will have access to the Yurt for shelter if needed and a list of contact numbers (neighbours, trustees and community police will be available should support be needed at any time).
A list of ‘general maintenance jobs that need doing’ will also be available on the wall of the shed should any key-holders or visitors wish to contribute to the maintenance and development of the site during their session.
Garden Guardians can become key-holders (contact the e-mail below if you are interested in this) and use the garden at any time outside of their agreed guardian ‘slot’, or they can choose to collect a key before their session and return it at the end of the day. It will also be possible to use the barbeque area for picnics or social events.
For more information