COMMUNITY roots will be strengthened in Bishopton after a nature organisation received a boost to create gardens for all.
Team Springboard Community Interest Company was provided £25,000 from Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Green Shoots Funding.
The £1m Green Shoots Community Climate Change Fund aims to support small, community projects across Warwickshire which tackle the climate change emergency.
The funding will enable Team Springboard to develop a network of community gardens created by volunteers and a ‘Green Programme’ of workshops and activities to inspire residents around issues relating to biodiversity, sustainability and climate change.
The project aims to help and encourage residents to grow their own food, to increase awareness of sustainability and promote measures like water harvesting and creating wildlife-friendly habitats, and boost wellbeing.
It is hoped the community gardens will encourage long lasting connections between residents and networks of support.
Team Springboard’s Community Roots was established in early 2020, when the team piloted a community garden on Baker Avenue in partnership with social housing provider Orbit and Warwick District Council.
Despite the lockdown, the project was a huge success in supporting people and helping them to get out and connect with nature.
Team Springboard has been able to offer volunteering and training opportunities while developing strong working relationships with local organisations.
Team Springboard will be using the funding alongside match funding from Orbit and money from other organisations, to build on the success of the Baker Avenue pilot and deliver more gardens across the village.
Founder Kirstie Kelly said: “We are so excited to expand the community garden network in Bishopton, to share our love of nature and the outdoors, increase biodiversity and to up-skill residents to become more sustainable in the fight against climate change.”
WCC environment spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “The Team Springboard story is truly inspiring. Although it began before the ongoing pandemic, it came into its own during this time and provided a real lifeline and sense of connection with nature for residents who would have been otherwise isolated and alone.
“Green Shoots Funding will now allow the incredible Community Roots project to expand to more locations across Bishopton, providing beautiful outdoor spaces, increasing net biodiversity and educating residents about important issues such as sustainability.”
Visit www.teamspringboard.co.uk for more information on Team Springboard.
