Behind St Brigids ’ National School on Merville Road is a hidden gem. Once you walk past the native hedgerow, pond and wildlife meadow – you open a holly green gate into a mini-farm, complete with potting shed, polytunnel, Wendy House, hen coops, bat boxes, bee hive and lots of raised beds.
Every Wednesday afternoon the local schoolchildren learn about animal husbandry and growing their own fruit and vegetables .
Nearly all the children have their own raised beds and they can choose whether to plant vegetables, fruit or flowers. They learn about crop rotation, pest control, seed saving, seed dispersal, composting and much more. Keeping children in touch with their environment and to have nature ’empathy’ is a prime aim of the garden.
We are fortunate to have two retired gentlemen gardeners who do a huge amount of work to keep the garden looking its best.
The garden is open to the public on Saturday afternoons (weather depending!) and families are encouraged to come and spend some time pond dipping, feeding the hens and just enjoying nature.
We like to think that we are a drop in centre where the public can come in and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. There is no charge but people are free to purchase eggs and vegetables.
Facebook; St Brigid’s Community Garden