Happy Meadow Community Garden was created in July 2025 when we were given permission to turn an overgrown, unused corner in Bickleigh Football ground (also known as Happy Meadow) into a community garden/shared allotment space. A small group of us have worked really hard over the last 12 months to transform this area which is now planted with fruit and vegetables ready for the summer season.
We are following the 'no dig' method and will be growing organic food and making the area beneficial to wildlife, whilst trying to be as sustainable and resourceful as possible. We hope this will be a joyful space for the community and an area where relationships can be built and enjoyable times shared.
We'd love to have more people down there, whether you're a keen gardener (see examples below of different ways you can get involved) or just simply want to enjoy the space (it's a lovely spot with picnic benches and a firepit!). Here are some ways you can get in touch and keep up to date with the different ongoings at the garden:
- Join our Whatsapp group by clicking on this link (this is our main way of communicating when we are going down there and various other ongoings at the garden)
- Follow us on instagram
- Keep an eye out for news posted on this website
- Email us at bickleighcommunitygarden@gmail.com
How you can get involved
1. Become a core member
The core members share the annual rent for the plot (£200 shared between us) and we are responsible for sourcing, growing and maintaining the garden. You do not have to dedicate a certain amount of time, we just need enthusiasm and as much time as you are willing to give. And you get to reap the rewards of your work!
2. Help us on a work day
We will hold community work days throughout the year. These are great as with a bigger group we get a lot done, and it's also a good opportunity to get people to visit the garden and encourage more people to use it. We will aim to notify people of these via the village message group and Parish Council email list.
3. Come to a social gathering
We have kindly been donated a firepit (thank you Leah and Nick!) and received funding which allowed us to purchase picnic benches, so we plan to make the most of these and organise some social fundraising activities down at the garden. Come and enjoy the space!
4. Get involved in the Kids gardening club
We have been trialling a kids gardening club over the last few weeks. This has been good fun and if anyone in the village has a child who would be interested in coming to the garden please get in touch. We hope to offer this club out through the school in some format, although this may be a parent and child club, as the logistics of looking after large groups of children there is tricky. If anyone would like to help with this idea we would love to hear from you!
5. Visit the garden
And finally, the garden is open for anyone to visit at any point! Please ensure that you keep the gate closed once you have looked around and if you have small children with you please ensure that they are careful around the polytunnel area and that they keep out of the beds whilst things are growing.
We hope to see lots of you there over the coming months!
