Buzz Community Garden- a place of peace and learning
Buzz Community Garden has been cared for by Lockleaze residents for just over 9 years. It originally started as part of the Buzz Cafe managed by North Bristol Advice Centre.
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust has been managing the garden for the last few years, with 2 staffed sessions a week to ensure the garden remains in community use. This vital green space helps us tackle food injustice locally and remains a haven for wildlife as well as a peaceful garden beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. Buzz community garden is a place of learning and Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust continues to deliver workshops and events with average attendance of between 25-48 residents. Other groups and organisations also use the space for learning and to deliver activities for the community.
Buzz Community garden 2!
We have recently been given permission to take over the plot next door, “Buzz Community Garden 2” and our aims remain the same- increasing opportunity for residents to learn, connect, and gain new skills and training. This extra plot will help us continue to address food injustice locally with increased community growing space for local residents and groups. Both plots remain a welcoming, accessible social space for residents and wildlife too.
Community learning
Recently we were delighted to welcome BCC Community Learning team to host a pilot course at Buzz Community garden for 10 weeks, as part of our drive to bring more opportunities for learning to Lockleaze. We co-created the course based on what residents had requested- how to plan and build a garden for growing using upcycled and repurposed materials. 9 students attended.
During the course they learnt carpentry skills including measuring and marking out (using a tape measure and combi-square) sawing, drilling/putting in screws (using a drill and impact driver) and hammering in nails. They also practiced their maths and developed their teamworking skills. By the end, they constructed this impressive shelter.
“I particularly enjoyed learning about carpentry and plan to pursue it further” Adele, course participant.
“I really enjoyed the painting, taking my time to do it carefully” course participant
“I met new people and learnt a lot of new skills” course participant
“Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust provided the course aims and learning outcomes, the site, most of the timber, tea/coffee/cold drinks, a tarpaulin… and much encouragement!”, Chris, course tutor
We thank the group for their hard work, their company and their enthusiasm to learn together. If you would like this free course to return to Lockleaze please contact Colin Young at Colin.Young@bristol.gov.uk.
To find out more about Bristol Community Learning and other courses and the application criteria please click here.
Next up in Lockleaze: Introduction to Beauty Skills at St James Church on Romney Avenue, 9:30am to 2:30pm Friday 25th July. Contact shani.smith@bristol.gov.uk or visit website for details.