A community garden is land that has been taken over by the local community on a not-for-profit basis.

There is no ‘standard’ community garden in terms of plot size, shape or materials – people create them where they can. Some are based around food production, including the planting of orchards, while others are created for ornamental or recreational purposes.

Community gardens, sometimes called growing spaces when they focus on growing food more than recreation, are usually found in built-up areas on land owned by the local authority.

They are a great way of bringing local people together. They can improve health and fitness, provide educational value, and even lead to a local reduction in crime and vandalism.

These community gardens are run by local groups on council-owned land:

• East Barnwell community orchard
• Chesterton Vie central space, near Scholar’s Walk
• Empty Common community garden, near Brooklands Avenue
• Midsummer Common community orchard, near Newmarket Road
• Nightingale Garden, at Nightingale recreation ground
• Romsey community garden, near Marmora Road
• Trumpington community orchard, near Foster Road

We will inherit ownership of the Clay Farm community garden on the satisfactory completion of the works associated with the planning application.