Great Torrington Gets Growing for a New Project

South West Society Open New Greenhouse

Chenie, House Manager of Glen Tor, managed by Abbeyfield South West society, has been busy fundraising for a brand new greenhouse, and the wait is almost over. Get ready to see a thriving new addition to the house. 

Tell us about the exciting garden project happening at Abbeyfield in Great Torrington?

“The residents, staff and volunteers have started to plan and develop our own kitchen garden, growing as much of our own produce as possible, with the space available. Originally, our bottom garden was part of a tennis court, which means the grass over the top of it was not a great lawn for residents to enjoy.

"In response to residents’ requests, we started off by planting one raised bed to see if we could get the residents involved. This has grown to seven beds, and a brand new Greenhouse. Whilst I spend quite a bit of my own free time tending to it, we do have residents and volunteers that get involved. It is always a great talking point when residents know we are eating our own produce at the meal table.”

What inspired the project for a new greenhouse?

“In one of our resident meetings, it was brought up that a resident was struggling with ‘climate anxiety’ and asked what more we could do to help reduce our carbon footprint. With time and work restraints, it was decided that a kitchen garden would be the way forward.”

We heard you've been fundraising for the greenhouse. Can you tell us a bit about that and if/how the community got involved?

“We have undertaken quite a bit of fundraising and the local community have really stepped up and helped. We had some great grants allocated to us from several charities around the town, which has greatly contributed the overall costs, but we’ve also really tried hard in house to raise funds. The residents have donated items to be auctioned, they have held coffee mornings and fetes to raise funds, as well as purchasing plants and soil themselves to help with running costs.

"A local tradesman has donated his time to help with digging the trenches for the base and provided soil and plants. Another local company supplied two tonnes of topsoil for free, so that we could fill the beds to start with. I have received grants from Torrington Rotary club, Town and Lands Charity, The town council, and two district councillors have donated a portion of their pots to help out.”

What are you hoping the new greenhouse will bring to the residents and the house as a whole?

“We’re hoping it will bring residents some relief from ‘climate anxiety’ knowing that they are reducing their carbon footprint on a grass roots level. Residents’ mental wellbeing has also improved, as they enjoy the physical activity of gardening and the peace that comes with being in the garden. We’ve also been looking at how we can introduce more nature into the garden, building birdfeeders to encourage the birds and more insects. Everyone is certainly enjoying the fresh produce at the table during mealtimes.”

Is there a specific date set for the greenhouse opening? If not, can you give us a timeframe of when it might be?

“We are officially opening the greenhouse project at our Summer Fete on the 20th July. The theme of the fete is ‘mad hatter’ so hopefully lots of people will get involved as we are encouraging people to come in fancy dress. All that donated have been invited.”

Will residents be involved in using the greenhouse?

“Residents are very involved with picking, watering, and generally enjoying the garden. They decide what is grown, so that they know they can enjoy the produce at a later date.”

Are there any volunteer opportunities related to the garden project?

“Volunteers are often in and helping with the build, digging, potting, harvesting, planting. They've been fantastic”

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