The garden is located at the heart of the coastal village of Portgordon, Banffshire in Scotland. It was established in 2021 by a group of volunteers who were keen to create a space where people could come together to grow food, learn about gardening, and enjoy the outdoors.
The garden features a variety of growing spaces, including raised beds and Polycrubs. The Polycrubs are a vital part of the garden's operations as they allow the gardeners to grow a wide variety of crops year-round, regardless of the weather conditions outside. They are also a great space to propagate plants and to start seedlings off early in the growing season.
A solar shed includes solar panels which provide renewable power for a water pump located in a 3,000-litre underground rainwater tank. Rainwater is collected from the roof of the two Polycrubs and this is used to irrigate the garden. The solar shed combines solar panels, battery storage, and a low-frequency inverter to supply the load of the submersible pump. This means that the garden can operate off the grid, making it more resilient and sustainable.
The Portgordon Community Garden is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to create a better future for their community. It has had a significant impact on the village and has provided a place for people of all ages and abilities to come together to socialise, learn, and grow their own food. It has also helped to improve the appearance of the village and to create a more sustainable community.
You can find out more about the Portgordon Community Trust, including the garden here.
