Windmill Community Gardens Margate awarded £42,679 from Lottery fund

March 29, 2023 Kathy Bailes Community, News 2

wmill2 — Windmill Community Gardens Margate

Windmill Community Gardens Margate (WCGM) has been awarded £42,679 Know Your Neighbourhood funding from the National Lottery.

The funding is in addition to its main three year grant received last year and will be used to take sustained action on volunteering and loneliness, which will be invaluable for Windmill’s diverse and expanding communities.

Based in Dane Valley, WCGM’s regular activities including a gardening club, forest gardening and well-being groups; Cabbage Patch and Forest Patch sessions for families with young children; plus the newly launched Saturday activities for both families and aspiring gardeners. There are also opportunities for work experience, volunteering and educational visits, with a friendly team of staff and volunteers offering their support.

Joanne Comer, Chair of WCGM, said: “We are really delighted to have received the National Lottery Know Your Neighbourhood funding to run activities over the next two years.

“We look forward to reaching our wider community and sharing the many health and well-being benefits of our beautiful gardens – whether it’s learning about growing your own food, relaxing or playing outdoors, taking part in cooking or craft activities, or enjoying a communal tea break surrounded by bird song and blossom.”

While funding covers essential running costs, WCGM continues to need to raise 50 per cent of its yearly costs through a weekly chemical free veg bag scheme and Thursday market stall – currently stocking rhubarb and vibrant fresh salad bags as part of the offering.

It also relies on ticket sales for activities and very popular events such as the forthcoming Strawberry Fair in June, Continued support from the local community is prized and many view the Windmill as a truly special place.

The Windmill Community Gardens project was created in 2004 and relaunched as an independent CIO in May 2022.

The gardens are at the corner of Dane Valley Road and College Road in Dane Valley, and the market garden site near Draper’s Mill. The gardens have chemical free food and fruit growing areas, accessible pathways, a forest garden, pond, poly tunnel, classroom, kitchen, greenwood working area and wildlife habitats.