A BRAND new community garden has opened at a Newton Abbot community centre.

The Courtenay Centre was thrilled to announce the opening of its community garden, which has been created so local people can have more of a connection to nature.

The popular Newton Abbot community centre hopes that the garden will provide an outdoor space for existing groups and activities, as well as a growing space for fruit, vegetables and flowers.

The garden also hosts two ‘bug hotels’, as well as ‘hot composting’ bins which will compost waste from the centre’s café.

Creation of the community garden has been made possible through funding from Hubbub, Live West and the Naturesave Trust, with Food in the Community, Pollernize, Jewson Partnership Solutions and Bovey Landscapes all donating plants, materials and time to the project.

John Addy, Chairman of Newton Abbot Centre Association said: ‘We are very grateful for the support we have received with the community garden, and look forward to welcoming both existing centre users and new visitors into this outdoor space.

‘The garden that we are creating is a space where people can enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation, as well as learn practical gardening skills.

‘I would particularly like to thank the project funders and the volunteers who have helped bring the garden to life.’

Lesley Browne, Community Connector for LiveWest, said: ‘We recognise the value that community hubs like the Courtney Centre play in our communities.

‘They offer not only opportunities for recreation and social purpose but also support to those in need.

‘Our social value offer helps us to develop our services further and ensures that community hubs can continue to thrive and meet the needs of the community.

‘The garden project will provide opportunities for local schools to get involved with and help develop skills in young people who will benefit from future activities here.’

LiveWest supported the outdoor project by donating nearly £2,000 in materials through the social value rebate scheme with Jewson Partnership Solutions.