Get involved in The Big Dig

Are you a keen gardener who would like to help your local community?

Groups across County Durham are on the lookout for volunteers to help out at their local community garden – and take part in the national Big Dig campaign.

The Big Dig, which takes place this month, aims to encourage people to give up their time to help local gardens get ready for the growing season.

The campaign is run by Sustain but is being backed by Durham County Council’s waste strategy team in partnership with Durham Community Action’s Growing Durham project.

Many groups are holding special Big Dig events but volunteers are also welcome to come along to any sessions.

Groups appealing for volunteers include:

• Trimdon Community Garden, Hart View allotment site, Trimdon Village, TS29 6LA

Big Dig event – Saturday, 21 April at 2pm

Groups meets on Saturdays and Wednesdays, 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

Contact trimcommgarden@gmail.com

• Fruitful Durham, Walled Garden, Ushaw College, Durham, DH7 9RH.

Big Dig event – Saturday, 21 April

Contact info@fruitfuldurham.co.uk

• The Whinnies Community Garden, Gateshead Road, Sunniside, Gateshead, NE16 5LG.

Big Dig event – Saturday, 21 April, 11am to 4pm

Contact chris4millie@gmail.com

• Abundant Earth, Cookes West Wood Farm, Broompark, Durham.

Big Dig event – Sunday, 22 April, 10am to 4pm with permaculture garden tour at 11am.

Contact abundantearth.durham@gmail.com

• FRIENDS of Wharton Park, Durham City.

Little Dig event – Wednesday, 25 April, 1.30pm to 4pm

Group meets every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm and on the first Wednesday of each month for a tea and coffee afternoon.

Contact friendsofwhartonpark@outlook.com

• The ALT Community Garden, Blackhill Club, Consett.

Big Dig event – Saturday 28 April, 10am to 4pm.

Group meets every Friday and the last Saturday of the month

Contact thealtgrp@gmail.com  or call 01207 654 160

• Shildon Community Garden, Furnace Ind Est, Shildon DL4 1QB.

Big Dig event – Saturday 28 April, 1pm to 2.30pm.

Garden is open 10am to 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Contact 01388 417600 or 01388 417474.

• The new Neville’s Cross Gardeners and Plants Swap group, Durham, is also looking for volunteers

Visit www.nxgarden.weebly.com or contact nevillescrosswatch@outlook.com

If you’re green fingered and free to give some time by volunteering, you can also email Liz.Charles@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk.

For further information on the Growing Durham Project and how to get involved, visit http://fooddurham.net/growing-durham/how-can-i-get-involved.

And to encourage everyone to get composting, whether as part of a community garden or at home, Durham County Council has teamed up with Getcomposting.com to offer home compost bins at special offer prices from only £17.98. You can also get a second bin half price from only £8.99, when buying two bins together.

To order a compost bin or for more information, contact 0844 571 4444 or visit www.getcomposting.com.