Apron Community Garden is opening on Saturday 24th April in Buckingham Park, Shoreham by Sea.

Throughout the spring of 2020 and during lockdown Apron’s idea of a Community Garden grew into a more definite aim; to create a safe and accessible space for the community to grow, share and learn together. After a successful crowdfunder, and a lot of hard work, Apron are thrilled to be opening the garden on Saturday 24th April 2021

Whilst on furlough from their day jobs Lis Long, founder of Apron and Tom Prior, @Tom.Makes had a rare opportunity to spend time focusing on the project, the design and building the garden.  Local Artist, Anna Twinam-Cauchi has been working with them on the craft elements of the project which will be unveiled when the Garden opens.

‘We worked through the winter and have been overwhelmed by the support of the community, A&W Council, Park Warden Keith Walder and Green Tides.  We’ve been inspired by professionals such as Brighton Permaculture Trust, Naomi Ferret-Cohen and Ben Law, who have all kindly given help and advice which has spurred us on.  Ashdown Forest gave us a permit to coppice hazel for the fence which we did by hand, using traditional methods.

We have used recycled and sustainable materials and building methods to create the garden, following the principles of organic gardening and permaculture and working to improve biodiversity. 

We’ve seedlings being looked after in various greenhouses across Adur and Worthing, which has been a great way for people to connect with the project from a distance. 

We can’t wait to start welcoming volunteers on site, everyone who signed up has been so patient as we navigate through doing this safely and in line with government guidelines.

We have started planting and it’s great to see the first green shoots appear just in time for opening!’

The Garden is now on schedule to open on the 24th of April, just six months after Apron started work on what was in October a disused compound. 

The Garden’s raised beds, made from reclaimed pallets, will be planted with fruits, vegetables and flowers. There is a wild wooded area and small wildlife pond, composting site and in December Apron will plant an orchard of Sussex apple trees.

One of the main features to the garden is the rain shelter. Hand made entirely from sustainably sourced Sussex Chestnut trees, using the traditional joinery method of round wood framing.

‘Building the garden has been a real labour of love. It was born out of lockdown and at such a challenging time, we really want the community to enjoy the garden and help it grow into the future.’

Apron will be offering a seasonal calendar of events, workshops and talks at the Garden. From Art+Craft to Gardening, Wellbeing, Local Heritage and more. Maybe you'd like to meet new people, learn a new skill or find a new hobby. Or perhaps find something all the family can enjoy together:  https://aproncreative.org/whats-on

Follow aproncommunitygarden on Instagram and Facebook or visit www.aproncreative.org

Art+Craft Resource Kits coming soon!

Apron are delighted to have been awarded a grant from Adur & Worthing Councils Community and Wellbeing fund.  The grant will be used to supply Art+Craft resource kits to local families, young people and older members of the community 

Apron believe that everyone in our community should have access to creative resources and, at this time especially, Art+Craft can greatly improve wellbeing. 

The kits will be tailored for different age groups and will be distributed via the Community Hub, local Food Banks and Home Start. 

Along with the kits Apron are launching a new group via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ApronShoreham/ which anyone can access for ideas and inspiration of what to do or make with the kits. This group will be a place for community, for sharing skills, supporting each other and celebrating creativity. 

Apron are working with local organisations Community Hub and Home Start to ensure we reach as many people as possible through this project. If you would like find out how you can to help us please get in touch: info@aproncreative.com