We hope that you would like to come along and see us – so here is some useful information about who we are, what we do, what to expect and what to bring with you!

What we do

Holme Grown Eastby is a community garden located at the eastern end of Eastby village. We are a Community Interest Company (CIC). This means we are non-profit making. Any funds we receive are used to help develop the garden and facilities for all its users.

Our garden project began in the spring of 2020 when native trees were planted at the bottom end of the site. Ideas grew for a community garden and in 2021 the vision started to become a reality. We have developed the site with the help of local volunteers and now have a polytunnel, pond, wildflower meadow, cut flower growing area, soft fruit growing area, vegetable growing area, orchard, woodland and bees!

We grow our produce using sustainable methods, increase the biodiversity of the local environment and increase community cohesion through the joys of growing and being in our beautiful garden setting.

Our Community

At Holme Grown Eastby, we love to collaborate and look forward to building a diverse community who can enjoy the garden.

Already, we have worked with the local primary school who planted our wildflower meadow under the guidance of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

Monty has some of his bees on our site and we have enjoyed the delicious honey they produced. He has a wealth of knowledge about beekeeping to share if you get chance to meet him.

Craven College students have helped with hedge planting, dry stone walling and keeping on top of the grass, as well as meeting the chickens that live next to our site.

Throughout the year we have Duke of Edinburgh students helping out, and we have work experience students from local secondary schools.

Our Facilities

We are continually working hard to expand and improve our facilities, infrastructure and accessibility at Holme Grown Eastby. We have been fortunate to obtain grants to help us with this and these along with donations have helped us get where we are now, but we are always pleased to hear your suggestions about improvements.

At present we have:

Shedquarters – the heart of our facilities we are pleased to have a place to meet, stay dry and relax.

Pat’s Polytunnel – this has provided somewhere to grow more tender crops; to extend our growing season and to shelter during rainy moments!

Seating – we have picnic benches for you to rest and relax during a break or simply to enjoy the views. There’s benches around shedquarters, the wildflower meadow or down in the field.

The Tool Shed – located next to the Shedquarters and containing a wide selection of garden tools, gloves and other equipment which you can use when on site.

The Bloom Room – the hub of our cut flower production.

Toilet – we have our new compost toilet now installed on site!

A wildlife pond – complete with pond dipping platform. This area is a focus for this season, and we are adding more habitat around the edges, willow trees for screening and a willow dome to sit and watch the wildlife from.

Composting bins – We have two composting areas and this year we will add to these.

What to bring

The garden is a working place and although there is some shelter available, being outdoors we are affected by the weather. Therefore, we suggest:

Suitable clothing – Please check the forecast before you set off to make sure that you are prepared. The site can be quite exposed, so we recommend you bring a few layers to adjust if the weather changes!

Strong, sturdy footwear – preferrable waterproof with a sturdy sole and grip. Whilst we have some paths around the place it can be wet and muddy at times, and no-one likes cold, wet feet! If anyone was considering high heels or open toes, then please don’t!

Tools – You are welcome to bring your own tools, but you definitely don’t have to as we have plenty of the most common tools on site to use spades, shovels, forks, rakes, trowels etc etc. We also have a range of equipment for enjoying the wildlife including pond dipping kits and binoculars.

Food and Drinks – We’re a social bunch and love a tea break. We have some basic tea and coffee facilities, but it’s worth bringing a mug with you, or perhaps a reusable water bottle or flask if you want to bring your own!

We hope this gives you some insight, and we will see you soon!

Posted on by ARB76_HolmeG.