The aim to make a better Fairmuir Community Garden! Make it productive by growing more fruit and vegetables to give to the community and local food larder. We wanted to encourage people to volunteer and encourage the growing of food to reduce the community’s carbon footprint and support our ecosystems and biodiversity. It was important to provide community activities to increase the number of people in the local community who visit and use the garden.
Fairmuir Community Green
Go To WebsiteAddressed Challenges:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Waste / Circular Economy
Action Areas:
- Biodiversity and Nature
- Land Use, Food and Agriculture
Initiative Purpose:
- Mitigation and Adaptation
The Story
In the summer of 2021, a few locals became aware of a bid by a local businessman to acquire the old bowling green in Fairmuir Park. This was to be a three-storey building. Plans for this building were drawn up and the public were invited to go along to view them. Some of the locals formed an action group and invited the public to voice the views of the local community.
The public meeting attracted well over 60 people and soon the press and TV were covering the story. Eventually, the plans were rejected, the bowling green was safe. However, we were aware that if something was not done with the land, someone else could make a bid for it, so a small group of us decided to try and use the bowing green as a community garden. We knew that the park was a real asset to the community and the whole of Dundee. Especially after Covid, when we saw how many people used the park as a space to escape to for the benefit of their physical and mental wellbeing. We wanted to save the green space for future generations.
We became a constituted group and then looked at the task of creating a garden on a derelict piece of land with no equipment, no facilities and no money! Fortunately a group called Dandelions (the Unexpected Gardens) chose us for their next project and worked with us to make the beginnings of a garden. They purchased and built some planters, tools and various pieces of equipment. They gained access to the old pavilion, made it safe to use and started to invite the community.
They were only there for 6 months and then in October 2022, the garden was handed over to us.
It took a while to sort out keys, finish what Dandelions had started etc. But, by spring of 2023 we were ready to start growing and getting involved with the community. We have been steadily expanding the garden by producing more food and extending our events.
Success & Outcomes
The goal of involving the local community in garden events was absolutely met. Free community lunches have grown in consistency and attendance levels. We have made numerous donations to Dundee foodbanks and promoted local learning through various events, like our foraging skills activity.
Advice for others looking to do something similar
To do something for your local community is very rewarding but does involve a dedicated group of people. When we took over the bowling green to create a community garden, we were enthusiastic but clueless! If the Dandelions project had not come along to help us, we would not be where we are now, so researching how to get help is crucial. We also found working with the local Neighbourhood Services was extremely helpful. They guided us when creating a constitution and put us in touch with other groups who could give us advice and funding.
You need to ask for help. We are now part of a local garden network which has also been a great support for acquiring advice and equipment but also as a sounding board for problems we encounter.
The main two problems that we (and nearly all other volunteer groups) face is recruiting volunteers and funding. However, we have seen the garden go from strength to strength over the last two years which is so rewarding.
