Redcatch Community Garden: Space for Nature winner, Bee Bold Awards (Community)
Redcatch Community Garden in Knowle, Bristol has turned a disused bowling green into a rich and diverse space for nature, and for the community to socialise and learn.
The Bee Bold expert selection panel commended the approach for bringing the community together to turn an abandoned piece of land into a space for nature, education and enjoyment.
What they did
The Redcatch Community Garden team has turned a disused bowling green into a flourishing garden with edible plants, flower borders and an untouched wildlife corridor. They focus on wildlife and soil friendly approaches such as "no dig", companion planting and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals.
The garden team works with a wide variety of organisations including local school groups, art therapy groups and St Monica's Trust. They support green social prescribing initiatives and run gardening groups for wellbeing and employment skills.
The impact for Redcatch Community Garden
Many local groups are enjoying the benefits of using the green space, including gaining employment skills, learning how to garden, or simply enjoying better wellbeing. In 2022, the garden team received an award for Outstanding Services to the Community from the High Sheriff of Bristol.
The impact for pollinators
The garden has created both habitats and food sources that support a variety of pollinators, which in turn pollinate the fruit and vegetables, including in the polytunnel. By not using pesticides, pollinators and other wildlife can thrive, with companion planting used to encourage natural predators and to control pests.