Seed to Feed at Bridle Lodge
31 May 2024
3 min read
In this week鈥檚 #GoodNewsFriday, we hear the story of one social care provider鈥檚 exciting garden renovation project.
Back in December 2017, the then new Manager of Bridle Lodge, Louise Jones, made a pledge to revive the large polytunnel on the grounds. Thus, the Seed to Feed project was born.
The project aimed to rejuvenate the garden, which is 3 acres in size, by paying the necessary care and attention to their commercial polytunnel, which was in a poor state of repair.
The team at Bridle Lodge set out to raise the profile of the home in the local community by holding coffee mornings, afternoon teas, and attending the Community Market with a tombola to raise the necessary funds. The pandemic temporarily put the project on hold, but once it passed, they had raised enough to complete the work.
Gardener Richard Thomas, along with one of the supported people, Matty, worked diligently to clear out and rebuild the tunnel, culminating in the creation of raised beds and tables. The polytunnel had its grand opening on 19th April 2024, with a visit from Tom Randall MP, Cllr Sam Smith, and Cllr Mike Adams.
The people being supported at Bridle Lodge have enjoyed going out to the polytunnel to tend the beds and water the plants. Another home in the group has even brought over a gentleman who grows his own plants to contribute. Seeing the vegetables grow from seeds and seedlings has provided a great sense of achievement for all involved and provides food to be eaten at Bridal Lodge.
The project has helped develop confidence, cooperation, planning skills and improved the quality of life for all those involved.
Tom Conrad, a staff member at Bridle Lodge, said:
This has given me a huge lift to be able to be involved and help support those in the home who want to grow their own food.
Dan Howarth, a supported person at Bridle Lodge, said:
I like to go and water the plants and make sure the rabbits don鈥檛 eat the lettuce.
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