STIGA Supports Ethical Kitchen Garden Project

A dedicated group of volunteers has revitalised the grounds of St Ambrose Church in Westbourne, transforming the once-neglected site into a flourishing community garden in just five months. Thanks to the cordless, rechargeable equipment supplied by STIGA, the project has achieved a major milestone: the creation of the first lawn at the on-site preschool in more than a decade.

The garden project has turned disused church grounds into a thriving green space that is now home to food growing, biodiversity projects, and community learning. More than 30 community members are already cultivating their own produce at the site. The initiative also incorporates innovative features such as microbial fuel cells, which demonstrate how plants can generate electricity, and research into structured water, which could potentially increase crop yields by up to 40 per cent. New beehives are also being introduced to support pollination, biodiversity, and honey production.

The Westbourne project has gained national recognition and is set to expand to other community centres and boxing gyms, with the long-term goal of establishing sustainable food hubs across the UK.

Kelly Levell, founder of We Do Ethical, said:

“In just five months, we have transformed an unused, forgotten space into a thriving garden full of life, learning and opportunity.”

The project has received generous contributions from a range of businesses. STIGA donated battery gardening tools, Suttons Seeds donated 170 bee-friendly bulbs, while Eco Sustainable Solutions supplied more than 12 cubic metres of organic compost.

Mia Young, environmental scientist at We Do Ethical, added:

“Thanks to the generosity of STIGA, Suttons, Eco Sustainable Solutions and our amazing group of over 30 volunteers, we’ve laid the foundations for something truly special. But to keep growing, we need our community and local businesses to get involved. Together, we can build a legacy of food security, biodiversity, and community connection for generations to come.”

The transformation will be celebrated at the Community Garden Launch Barbecue on Sunday, September 28, from 12pm to 4pm, featuring organic food, live music, family activities, and the opportunity for attendees to plant a flower bulb. Tickets are priced at £15 in advance or £18 on the day.  https://wedoethical.org/ethical-kitchen-garden.php