A Journey of Transformation at Acomb

Acomb Methodist Church is celebrating its 50th anniversary with some big dreams to upgrade facilities to serve our community in York for the next 50 years. This includes renovating the entrance, replacing the boiler with a new ground source heat pump and transforming the small wilderness behind the church. In place of weeds, we want to create more than a garden: a community space for growing food and a space where people can enjoy retreats and quiet days, or just come and reflect in a place of beauty.

View from top of garden, where several garages
have recently been removed

We have lots of ideas to be included in the new garden: Fruit bushes, raised beds for vegetables, a children’s area, a monastic cloister, water feature, labyrinth, 2 watertight shelters/ summerhouses, workbenches, seating, craft areas are all ideas we want to try to include. We hope to create a natural flowing space where wildlife will find a home and plants that will create interest throughout the year. But first, we need to make space. We've made a start by removing some old garages and we'll be creating an access ramp in place of the current narrow steps. 

A greenhouse to be removed,
and weeds to bash!

Some work is required to clear the site, including felling several dead, diseased or misshapen trees, while some branches will need to be removed to raise the crowns of the remaining trees or improve their shape. All this need to be done before mid February because we have been generously offered the expertise of a digger and driver for a day. He has seen the site and he will work on levelling and scraping off the top 10cms of soil to form bunds(banks) inside the boundaries but not interfering with them in any way.

We want lots of people to be involved from the whole community, so that it is owned by everyone. At the moment, we are looking forward to  we do need everybody who can offer some time over the next month to clear the site. 

Today BBC Radio York came to visit the garden and took the photos - more will be added as the work proceeds!

Want to get involved? We held our first work day on Sat 7th Feb, where we started to prepare a boundary border, cutting down brambles and clearing the site of obstacles (including an old greenhouse!) Get in touch if you'd like to be part of future work days - everyone welcome, whether your skills lie in gardening or in making tea! 

See also:

• Acomb Community Garden: The Story So Far
• Acomb Garden: The Transformation Begins
• Renewable Heat for Community Buildings
• Life in Community - Lessons from LILAC
• The Incredible Movement in York