A PATCH of previously overgrown land at Whitehaven AFC’s County Ground has been transformed into a community garden, with Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister joining volunteers to plant a tree and hear about plans for the growing project.
The garden, on land donated by the football club, is being developed as an inclusive space where people can garden, meet others, gain experience and spend time outdoors.
Mr MacAlister said the project was a “fantastic use” of land which had previously stood unused.
He said: “It’s a chance for the community to come together, for people to have a sense of community connection, reduce isolation, and getting your hands in the soil is really good for your mental health.
“In a way it’s a form of therapy. It’s brilliant that so many organisations have supported this.”
He praised the involvement of groups and businesses in the area, including Groundwork, Morgan Sindall and Gleeson, describing the garden as an example of West Cumbrian organisations working together to create something positive.
Lindsey Smith, a Whitehaven resident and one of the garden’s first volunteers, said she and fellow volunteer Kevin Burns had been involved for just under a year.
She said the project had started with support from Groundwork, including funding which helped provide raised beds, seating and a polytunnel. Work For U/Goodlives, on behalf of Groundwork Trust, is now facilitating the garden and supporting volunteers.
Mrs Smith said the garden’s weekly volunteer sessions take place on Fridays from 10am to 1pm and are open to people of all experience levels.
“You don’t have to be a gardener,” she said. “If you want to come and just sit in the garden, enjoy the space and have a brew with us, that’s absolutely fine. If you want to learn about gardening, we’ll show you.”
“It’s not just for the volunteers, it’s for the community,” she said. “It’s a community garden — it’s a clue in the name. It’s not my garden, it’s the community’s.”
Luke Johnston, chairman of Whitehaven AFC, said the club had been approached by Groundwork Trust several years ago about creating a green hub.
He said: “We decided that this bit of land wasn’t being used for anything. It had previously been overgrown, and it could be used for this — and it grew from there.”
Mr Johnston said the club wanted the County Ground to serve as a wider community hub, rather than simply a football venue.
Whitehaven AFC has more than 500 youth players, 162 adult players, 1,380 community-programme participants and 169 volunteers and paid staff. The club estimates its activities generate £2.2 million in social impact each year.
Plans are also being explored for a container-based stadium around the existing main grass pitch, including hospitality and space for community organisations.
Meanwhile, arts organisation Every One Here has received £5,000 from Arts Council England to create a permanent entrance artwork for the garden. Volunteers and residents will help select the artist through the group’s Jury of Joy initiative.
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