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Appeal to green-fingered Exeter residents

The Stoke Hill Community Association is appealing for green-fingered residents to pitch-in and help create a new community garden in the imposing grounds of St Katherine’s Priory on the 26-27 September.

The project, which is backed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), will be part of an open weekend at the Priory designed to bring the community together to share existing skills, learn new ones and turn an area of grey to green as part of the national Greening Grey Britain campaign.

RHS experts will be on-hand over the weekend to offer training, advice and insight to the volunteers during a series of workshops. Both novice and seasoned gardeners are encouraged to be part of the transformation of an underused part of the Priory.
Organisers hope the weekend will see local residents helping to create a green oasis that will act as a magnet for both the local community and wildlife, including pollinators. The garden will be made up of classic horticultural features including raised beds, fruit trees and boundary planters crafted by the volunteers.

Other activities taking place over the weekend include karate demonstrations, craft activities, model railways, and a children’s treasure hunt. A barbecfue and refreshments will be provided throughout the weekend to sustain the volunteers.

Speaking about the initiative RHS Schools Regional Advisor Merryn Preece said: ”This project has the potential to make a real difference to the quality of life of many in our community by bringing people together in a fun and social way.

“By pulling in the same direction over this weekend and the coming months, volunteers will create something that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

“We can’t wait to welcome volunteers to the Priory for what will be a wonderful occasion for all the family.”

Residents who can’t attend the weekend activities will be able to join community gardening workshops in October or tree planting sessions in December.