THE 2004 SCHUMACHER AWARD RECIPIENT

Helen and Jim Morris-Ridout
UNITY GARDEN

Helen and Jim Morris-Ridout founded Unity Garden in 2001 on 4 acres of derelict Council land in central Hereford aiming to create a community garden and local food project. On a 2 year lease, managed on permaculture principles, it included vegetable and herb gardens, orchards, greenhouses, wildlife and play areas. A cafe served food from the Garden. Placements provided opportunities for adults and young people with learning and mental health difficulties, unemployed people and excluded school children. 60 local people registered as volunteers and a small staff was employed. Unity Garden hosted numerous events and became a resource for social contact, education and work experience. The Council has not renewed the lease in order to 'develop' the land. Disappointed but undeterred, Helen and Jim and local people are campaigning to persuade them to enable Unity Garden to share the site with the proposed new development. They are confident their commitment and achievements will ensure its sustainable future.

CONTACT DETAILS

Unity Garden, 31 Park Street, Hereford, HR1 2RD
Tel 01432 359266 Fax 01865 516011 Email unitygarden@btconnect.com