Staying active is important, but it isn’t easy for everyone. For example, many elderly people can struggle to exercise, especially if they have a disability. Gardening is a low-intensity activity which gets your whole body moving through things like weeding, planting and digging. It’s something that everyone can get involved in and can be adapted to be made accessible if needed.

Even though exercising can be difficult for seniors, it’s still important that they stay physically active. This helps maintain mobility and can prevent diseases like type two diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Getting active outside with other people also fosters a sense of community and belonging. If you’re physically active, then this can improve your overall well-being too.

According to a YouGov survey from 2021, 7% of people in Britain say they don’t have anyone that they would call a close friend. The survey also showed that the older people get, the more likely they are to reveal that they don’t have a close friend. Making friends can be difficult, but joining a club is the perfect way to make new connections. Community gardening is fun, and you can talk to other people while you do it. Many gardening clubs meet regularly so you’ll have lots of opportunities to see your new friends.

Community gardening creates a sense of belonging and empowerment. It’s exciting to work on a project with others that you can be proud of. Having a community around you can feel supportive and reduces loneliness and isolation.

At Longford Park, we have a number of gardening groups who look after our park. This includes:

The allotment group: The work done in our allotments is undertaken entirely by volunteers, and we’re always up for having new gardeners. If you can’t commit to regular days, you can drop in and help in any of our sessions when it suits you. Whether you have little experience or are a gardening expert, we welcome everyone!

The gardening group: The team have been working hard over the last 3-4 years to improve the borders in the formal gardens area. They’ve also made a beautiful Garden of Reflection, which has a bench with a tribute to those who died in the Arena bomb attack. They don’t work through the winter, but are already at work, through spring, summer and autumn, on Friday mornings 10.30-12.30. They are marking Community Gardening Week with a special session Friday 4 April, 10.30-12.30, drop in then or any future Fridays at those times.

Wildlife Garden: This group meet occasionally, and their aim is more about providing ongoing management rather than gardening. This includes activities such as; cleaning debris and weeds from the ponds, collecting litter, and mowing pathways.