Flourishing green communities are changing lives

Four initiatives have been honored in BBC Radio Devon's Make a Difference Awards for their ecological contributions. The Growing Well Garden in Bow, Sampford Peverell Tree Wardens in mid-Devon, Shallowford Farm on Dartmoor, and Sustainable Hatherleigh are celebrated for enhancing their surroundings through tree planting, vegetable cultivation, bug discovery, and reconnection with nature. The winners will be revealed on September 24th at Buckfast Abbey.

Growing Well Garden operates as a social prescribing scheme, utilizing gardening as a therapeutic tool to help medical practitioners connect with patients differently. Dr. Susan Taheri, an NHS GP at Bow Medical Practice and the project's founder, discovered that engaging with patients in a garden setting brings her joy and provides additional benefits. She describes the garden as her "happy place" and notes that it offers a more hands-on experience without the usual concerns about germs.

Located in the heart of Dartmoor, Shallowford Farm aims to make rural life accessible by teaching young people the value of working with their hands. Retired horticulturalist Charles Staniland, who volunteers at the farm, seeks to demonstrate that food production is not merely about consumption but also involves contributing to the environment. He hopes the project can inspire a new generation to appreciate and protect the world around them by providing an immersive experience outside the urban concrete environment.

Sampford Peverell Tree Wardens, an environmentally focused volunteer group, maintain the parish's greenery by planting, protecting, and managing trees and hedges on public land. Their efforts, often funded by cake donations, demonstrate a community-wide commitment to improving local spaces. Peter Drew and his fellow wardens believe in taking pride in one's surroundings and making a positive impact on the environment.

Sustainable Hatherleigh implements various initiatives to strengthen the community, including leading bug hunts, promoting biodiversity through wildflowers, community composting, and running a repair café. The site, situated in the town center, has recently been designated as a county wildlife site. Jo Pullin and her team at Sustainable Hatherleigh aspire to create a resilient future for the area.

The finalists in the awards include Dr. Susan Taheri from Growing Well Garden, Charles Staniland from Shallowford Farm, Pete Drew from Sampford Tree Wardens, and Jo Pullin from Sustainable Hatherleigh.