Celebrations as New Milton Community Garden, five years in the making, finally opens at Fawcett’s Field, off Moore Close
DOZENS of green-fingered residents gathered for the long-awaited opening of the New Milton Community Garden, five years in the making.
Town mayor Cllr Alvin Reid was on hand to cut the ribbon to the facility at Fawcett’s Field, off Moore Close.
It is now available for volunteers, users, groups and schools from across the town, with a variety of workshops and ventures planned for the future.
As reported by the A&T, the project faced a number of setbacks after first being dreamt up by founding chair of trustees Julia Stamper in 2020.
Intended to build on community spirit shown during the Covid pandemic, it was backed by the Coastal Medical Partnership to support mental health and wellbeing.
Work on the plot began in May 2023, but hopes for a summer opening that year were dashed by problems including torrential rain.
Ongoing property construction on Moore Close and associated utility service connections then forced a year-long pause from November.
The launch was celebrated by Angela Jackson, who took over as chair of trustees after Julia stepped down due to health and personal reasons in October 2024.
“I’m delighted the garden is finally open after a number of unavoidable delays along the way, and I’m excited by the future plans for the garden.”
She praised all those who helped create the facility, including Julia, Darren Roberts who drew up the original design, and New Milton Men’s Shed and New Milton Sand and Ballast.
A proud Julia said: “It was an absolute joy to see my vision eventually become a reality. I'm not ashamed to say I felt very emotional!
“May the garden bring pleasure to many people in our community and go from strength to strength!”
Cllr Reid told how the garden’s opening marked part of the town council’s vision plan for Fawcett’s Field coming to fruition.
“These projects don’t happen overnight and I would like to thank all the volunteers, organisations and businesses, both large and small, who have worked so hard over the past five years contributing to the successful garden opening,” he said.
“If we all do a little, collectively we can achieve a lot.”
The mayor planted a pear tree donated by local business, White’s Dry Cleaners.
The garden’s features include 10 raised beds, two of which are suitable for wheelchair users, and a gazebo with seating and two pergolas.
Around 70 guests at the opening event were entertained by the appropriately named Reeds in Harmony jazz band. Refreshments were provided by Cuppa Crew.
Those wanting to get involved with the independent registered charity’s project can email newmiltoncommunity@gmail.com
