The Acorn Community Garden

Explore the new Community Garden at St John's Church, Walton.

Words & Images: Paul Chapman

The Acorn Community Garden is a little idyllic corner at the top of Walton Back Lane, next to St John’s Church, Walton. Established a year or so ago it’s a true community space in which people can relax and feel a bit better connected to nature, give it a try, it's good for you… honestly!

I was invited up by Peter Rodgers and Steve Fisher to see the place first hand, 'excellent we can sit in the sun, drink coffee and chat' I said. I was impressed this was the first time my coffee arrived in a flask!

You’ll have to bear with me with regards to this text, Steve and Peter had a lot to tell and they were clearly both excited and proud of the work they’ve achieved over such a short period of time, to turn an unloved field into something that is growing so well.

"The first thing we did was obtain some free trees from ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’, 150 of them which have been planted along the border with Matlock Road and over time will build a screen from the traffic noise," says Steve. "We then cleared the area and cut the central part quite short to create a nice open space in which people can sit and contemplate."

The grass seeds were purchased with a grant from NE Derbyshire Council and more trees were match funded by the tree council.

The central space now has three large willow trees, along with the present sun umbrella from the large tree at the centre of the ground. Along the top edge of the space parallel to Walton Back Lane are several new fruit trees, again quite new but a valuable food producing source in the years to come.

"Initially when we looked at the lie of the land, it was apparent that we could install some French drains to fill a clay pit at the bottom corner of the space," says Steve. "We had some great help from members of the community with this, ie: the loan of a digger, the community coming out to clear and lay the paths and some fantastic advice on how to let the pond establish itself.

"Last year it was full of water and this year we had tadpoles and frogs, but unfortunately as it's been so dry they have all left! Hopefully with rain we’ll see them return next year." The top edge of the site contains 12 raised beds, the woodwork being done by Maurice, a carpenter from the church congregation.

These beds have several owners, some belong to the garden, some to individuals and some by local groups, the brownies and guides from the church for instance. The beds were well stocked, and all the plants looked very healthy and well loved, some of them planted with flowers providing a powerful ray of colour against the searing blue sky.

There is also a fire pit which was used for a bonfire and sparklers evening last year which saw about 150 parents and children attending.

There is also a space which is home to a ‘labyrinth’, and a brightly coloured sensory garden.

Top all this off with lots of tables and chairs, thus creating plenty of space in which to sit and relax.

Steve explained there is a core team of about 20 people from the church, and community, who gather every Saturday morning to set about whatever tasks are needed. "Conversation and conservation," Steve laughs, "a space in which people can gather, have a coffee and chat with others, a very therapeutic space."

Other events at the garden have been a Summer Open Day and in May the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust had a stall where they gave advice. We also made seed bombs and bird boxes.

On Saturday 9 August this year they will be holding their second Family Open Day where people can enjoy pony rides, refreshments, cakes, drinks, children's games and ice cream.

Make a date to go check it out, and put it on your calendar, fingers crossed for fine weather, with perhaps a storm or two shortly before to fill the pond.

For info on the garden, to get involved or to donate anything that might be useful, Steve would love to hear from you.

Steve Fisher 07510 144024

stjohnswalton.co.uk/communitygarden