New Directions South Reading Community Garden

The small plot of land surrounds the New Directions Centre in Northumberland Avenue and was derelict before the team of volunteers got to work.

The site will now be further developed to grow plants, vegetables and herbs. The centre also features a teaching kitchen which will be used by various organisations to cook with some of the local produce being grown.

The Prince’s Trust volunteers study for the Certificate in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills and the transformation of the garden became the community element of their qualification. Sir John Madejski and Mr Charles Brims (High Sheriff of Berkshire) presented their certificates at a ceremony at Madejski Conference Centre last month.

New Directions is Reading Borough Council’s Learning and Employment Service and is part of the steering group working towards transforming the garden.

Community groups interested in making use of the garden should contact New Directions on 0345 842 0012.