Springhill Community Garden: Cultivating Community, One Volunteer at a Time

Springhill Community Garden is not just focussed on growing vegetables and flowers, but also nurtures a sense of belonging and wellbeing within the local community.

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Once a disused bowling green, the garden has blossomed into a haven for both plants and people alike. Based in Aberdeen between Sheddocksley and Mastrick, the success of the garden is owed to the collective efforts of the dedicated volunteers that give their time to develop the space while working to encourage involvement from the local community.

John, a longtime volunteer, recalls the early days of the garden's transformation. “I was involved at the start of the garden when a few of us got together to clear the gorse which was covering the area. It was a big job but when we saw the space, and also what could be achieved when local community members come together, we realised there was a lot of potential here,” John explains.

John left the garden shortly after its formation but after four years has returned to rejoin the volunteer team. He notes that the real value of the garden extends beyond the physical space. "I find it very important to have spaces like this because it gives time for people to breathe. You can hear the bees buzz, the birds sing, watch the flowers grow. It's peaceful. Not only that, you get a bit of exercise, fresh air, vitamins from the produce we grow, so it's good for your health. It's a win-win situation."

Joyce Forbes, the chairperson of Springhill Community Garden, highlights the evolution of the garden and the focus on community engagement. "The garden was first started around 2018. It used to be a Bowling Green and then an unofficial dog park but has evolved into the community garden you see here. Local people were involved in establishing the garden and it has been community led since then. The aim has always been for this to be a place created by the community for the community,” she shares.

The transition wasn't without its hurdles. Vandalism and a small volunteer base, has posed challenges at times but Joyce and her team remain committed. “We had a committee of three over winter, and then three more joined us. We've shifted our focus from just planting to fostering community spirit, trying to encourage more people into the garden."

Joyce's approach to attracting volunteers is inclusive and welcoming. "We had a sign that said 'volunteers welcome,' but I changed it to 'visitors welcome' because if you get visitors, then they'll maybe become volunteers. We want to encourage as many people in the community to come and use it," she says.

“There was a guy here this morning that regularly comes in with his dog, and he said, ‘I just come in because I can get a seat’, and then he goes home again. Lots of people, just treat it as a venue, and we want to encourage that too, it’s not just about volunteering. We're not going to ask everyone that comes through the gates to dig or weed, people are welcome to just come and use the space have a walk around.”

Pam, the garden's Treasurer, brings a wealth of experience from her time spent involved with community gardening in Canada. "Community gardening is a big thing in Canada, and it's becoming bigger here too. Everyone's interested in reducing food miles and growing their own food and seeing the benefits of that,” says Pam.

“What they're doing in Canada that's quite interesting is that they are transforming the sites of closed petrol stations into urban community gardens. They can’t build new developments on the sites because there are issues with the ground underneath being affected by the petrol station that previously sat above, so instead they place raised beds for community growing. It’s great now that I’m back in Scotland to see community gardens popping up around Aberdeen too.”

Springhill Community Garden have also been forging relationships with local schools and seen success by encouraging involvement from young residents in the area. "We are proud of our partnerships with Northfield Academy and Orchard Brae School,” says Pam. “The students complete a variety of tasks to both help the garden develop and create a learning experience, with the guidance of their teachers. The students showed interest and enthusiasm for gardening from the outset, and they are amazing workers! As well as learning new skills the students have grown personally and socially, gaining the confidence to try new things. As adult volunteers we have learned a lot from them and love having them at the garden. We even have a couple of students volunteer in their own time now, on top of their school visits."

Pamela, a primary teacher and volunteer, echoes the importance of green spaces in urban settings. "It's really important to have green spaces in the city. It’s good for your soul. Being outdoors, you just get a good feeling from the fresh air," she says. Her involvement has also deepened her connection to the local area "I’m getting to know more people in my community, I think it’s a good thing to be involved with the garden in that respect. I think we can all benefit from getting to know our neighbours”

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the garden is its role in educating children about nature and food. Joyce recounts a recent visit from a grandfather and his young grandson. "It’s just good to let them see that fruit doesn’t come in plastic all the time. I showed him where to find raspberries and gooseberries. It’s important for kids to see that stuff doesn’t come from the supermarket, but from the ground and can be grown locally," she says.

Pam highlights the joy children find in the garden. "Caitlin and Daisy are two regular visitors. They play here for hours and love seeing the tadpoles in the pond. They’re learning so much about nature," she explains. These experiences instil a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world in young minds.

The transformation of Springhill Community Garden from a neglected space to a thriving community hub is a testament to the positive impact of volunteering and community spirit. The garden thrives because of the dedication shown by its volunteers, each bringing their own unique skills and perspectives.

Pamela adds, "It’s a great group of people here at the garden. It’s nice being out in the fine weather, and I’m learning from everyone, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge here that I’ve use to develop my own garden. I’d encourage anyone to get involved, you can go at your own pace and you really do get a lot from it – getting outdoors, staying active, meeting new people, reconnecting with the land – what’s not to like?”

If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, you can visit Springhill Community Garden on Facebook or email Joyce, Springhill Community Garden Chair at springhillcommunity@gardener.com