A group of keen gardeners have been recognised by a natoinal society for transforming an abandoned allotment site.

Community garden awarded for its contribution to the community and local environment.

GROW Community Garden, Loughton, was awarded a plaque by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) national garden scheme at a public ceremony and garden party on Saturday.

The plaque recognises the contribution that the garden makes to the community and local environment. The event was attended by Cllr Tessa Cochrane, Loughton Deputy Town Mayor as well as Cllr Carol Davies, Cllr Stephen Murray and Cllr David Wixley.

Cllr Cochrane said: “I am amazed at what was an abandoned allotment site, full of weeds, brambles and litter, has now been transformed into what we see here today.

“I am very pleased that GROW Community Garden is receiving recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society and that this award recognises their contribution to the community and all they are doing for the local residents and the environment.”

Friends and family of GROW Community Garden volunteers also attended.

Heidi Chow, co-ordinator at Grow Community Garden, said: “We are a community-based project run by volunteers and our vision is to enable as many people from the local area to benefit from community food growing, which is great for physical and mental health, building community cohesion and promoting a sustainable environment.”

Grow Community Garden opens on Saturdays and Wednesdays every week and brings people from across the community to grow organic fruit and vegetables together.