PLANS are underway to create a new community garden in Exminster.

The new growing space for food crops and flowers will be situated in part of the St Martin’s Church allotment site which is alongside the churchyard.

Organiser Jeremy Pyne says the exciting new garden will be a ‘significant project’ for the village.

The site has already been made available by the team at the church so it is ready for work to start.

Jeremy explained: ‘Initially I’ll be on site, I hope regularly on Friday mornings, so come along and chat if interested.

‘We will be forming a small steering group to help organise things but we are also looking for help to volunteer time to get stuck in and prepare for growing.

‘There is lots of work to do to clear our plot and prepare to make it productive.

‘In time the ambition is to grow food and flowers to share and provide a safe and inclusive space for people to learn, spend time in the outdoors and get to know the process of gardening.’

Jeremy is keen to hear from anyone interested in helping or contributing in some way, including local businesses and organisations.

The aim is to provide a shared space for growing and learning about food and nature.

It is also hoped to create a ‘calm and beautiful space’ for the community to enjoy.

Initially, Jeremy plans to have a small team to get the project started.

Then it will be open to anyone in the village for experienced gardeners to share knowledge and beginners to learn and explore the growing process.

The garden will be peat and chemical free, cutting out the use of pesticides and fertiliser.

As well as food and flowers, the project will aim to save water and create new habitats for wildlife.

Anyone interested can contact Jeremy at [email protected]