Community Garden

Norwest developer Mulpha has enlisted the support of Norwest Community Association and the Hills Women Shed to manage a community garden on the Norwest Quarter development site.

Residents have the option of becoming a member of the group, which will give them access to the communal veggie pods or they can hire their own veggie pod for 12 months.

The community garden, located on the corner of Natura Rise and Solent Circuit, Norwest, will not only supply the local community with fresh, seasonal, organically grown produce but will also enable people to connect with nature and each other through a healthy enjoyable activity that is great fun for people of all ages.

Beekeeping, worm farms and a large rainwater harvesting system will also be part of the new community. After an initial training workshop, the Norwest Community Gardening Group will manage most of the veggie pods and the allocation of others based on public interest, as well as training new members.

Coordinator of the Norwest Community Garden Group, Tuula Schaeffer, said: “We have had a very positive response to the community garden group with over 10 residents interested in joining the group. The community garden will enable people to grow fresh, organic food in a productive and sustainable way, while providing a welcoming space to relax and enjoy the company of others.

No experience is necessary, just an interest in growing your own food and learning and sharing with others. We will provide initial training and aim to hold regular workshops to engage the community and develop gardening skills.”

Norwest master developer Mulpha is supporting the new community garden as part of its commitment to build its Norwest Quarter development as a zero-carbon precinct, incorporating sustainable design principles from conception through to its construction and long-term performance. The aim is to lower energy bills while increasing well-being through healthier buildings, better air quality, and greater access to nature.