Norton Green | Community Gardens
… A blooming good idea!
Norton Green Community Gardens Association
The forming and building a community Garden in Norton Green ... The idea for a community garden originated from a small group of residents expressing there interest in the need for an opportunity to grow our own produce in a community capacity within our village ... view pictures
Spring 2009
We decided in the spring of 2009 to canvas the village to gauge the level of interest from other households. The date was set for an open meeting, inviting all interested parties to attend. The meeting was a great success with the attendance far greater than we had anticipated.
Forming of the Committee
Following meetings resulted in forming a formal group with a committee and a set of rules etc. Of course our first objective was to find a suitable site within the village. We therefore worked along with local councillors and the local AIT officer.
Searching for a Site
After local searches were carried out we were offered the opportunity to look at 2 sites, one at Norton and one at the rear of Trentside Manor Care Home, 
of which is in Norton Green.
Both options were discussed at our meetings with the overall vote going for the Trentside manor site, as it was felt that the situation of the site met our needs, as we wished it to be a community based project.
Many Thanks to Trentside Manor Residential Home!
It is worth mentioning at this time that we would like to express our sincere thanks to the owners and Manageress of Trentside Manor for help, kindness and generosity in offering us the opportunity to form a Community Gardens at the rear of the Care Home.
Planning Stage
Plans were then drawn up by one of our members, showing 31 plots and a communal tool shed. These were then submitted to the City Council for consideration. The cost of which amounted to £400, and was met by contributions from our members.
Funding from Grassroots Scheme
Whilst the application was pending we applied to the "Staffordshire community foundations 
Grassroots scheme" for funding to enable us to buy materials to set up the site.
After some minor setbacks and alterations to our original planning application the approval of our project was passed by the City Council in April 2010.
Our funding application was also successful and we were granted approx £3,800 to get the project off the ground.
Donations
We were also donated a number high quality tools; shears, 
watering cans, hand trowels and forks from Sheffield based "Burgon & Ball" which has enabled us to fully stock our communal tool shed with everything we a gardener needs.
We would like to express our thanks to "Burgon & Ball" for there kind donation.
Project Completion 2011
The gardens have taken shape with most of the work being carried out by ourselves; the site is nearly complete now and is fully operational with 31 plots allotted to 31 households in the village.
The shed is fully stocked and alarmed and some people have begun to plant there first crops.
With a little more work to the paths etc by next spring we should be in a position to have the site complete and be happily managing our own plots.
Appreciation & Thanks
Well done to everyone whose help, support and enthusiasm has played a big part in the project becoming a success!
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