Somerset Community Gardening: Growing greener spaces together

You may have spotted the small walled garden outside Taunton Library, opposite the Lesser Litter cooperative shop. It’s one of several community‑adopted green spaces across Somerset, cared for by volunteer gardeners who champion diverse planting that benefits both nature and people.

These pockets of green bring colour, scent, and vital habitat for bees and butterflies. Many plants are native wildflowers or herbs, chosen for their ability to thrive in drought, shade or changing soil conditions. Healthy soil is at the heart of each garden: its structure, drainage, pH and exposure to sunlight all influence what grows well. Fortunately, there’s plenty of guidance available to help gardeners understand their soil and select plants that will flourish.

Somerset Community Gardening has been led by Brian Heath since 2015. Some sites sit on local authority land, others belong to public institutions or corporate partners. While the organisation can establish gardens themselves, their main aim is to help local communities develop and run their own projects confidently and sustainably. Plant nursery and market‑garden sites are also being developed to support these groups with resources and expertise.

Brian brings a wealth of experience as a horticulturalist, plantsman and garden designer, supported by a background in surveying, organic market gardening, estate management and school grounds design. He is a passionate ecologist, familiar with permaculture principles, and a trained adult‑education tutor. His work extends internationally too, mentoring a colleague in South Africa who is coaching 50 young people from across Africa in sustainable food production.

If you’re interested in community gardening and want to help create more oases of life across Somerset, Brian is keen to support a new group of learners. Pop into the Lesser Litter shop in Taunton and add your name to the list for the next Somerset Community Gardeners training.