This page aims to give you some information about the accessibility of the growing project. If you have any questions about access needs, then please do feel free to get in touch with us. We are always happy to talk things through with you.

Facilities within the park:

• There is a disabled toilet in the park.
• There is a small car park, but spaces can be limited. Parking in the surrounding streets is permit controlled, and is not immediately adjacent to the park.
• There is no cafe during the week, but water, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided at growing sessions. The Vine Road Community Cafe is open on weekends.

Physical accessibility at the growing project:

A wooden path extends from the main concrete path in the park to the entrance of the polytunnel. The path is 1m wide. It is made of wood with shallow grooves in it. The width of the polytunnel entrance is just over 1m.

The flooring in the polytunnel is weedblock, laid over soil. The ground underneath the weedblock is not completely even, and there are some lumps and bumps.

Inside the polytunnel, there is a wheelchair-accessible bed. This dimensions of the space for the wheelchair are 80cm high x 75cm wide x 53cm deep. This is immediately on the left inside the entrance, and so requires you to turn 90 degrees when you come in the door.

There are two adjustable desks in the polytunnel. These are suitable for wheelchair use, for sitting at, or for standing without having to bend. The height can be adjusted to suit the individual from 70cm to 117cm.

There are some raised beds at standing height in the polytunnel.

In the outside growing area, there are raised beds of various heights. They do require you to bend to access them. The surface is grass, and is rough underfoot.

As well as the standard range of garden tools, we have some “easi-grip” tools.

The ergonomic trowels put less strain on your wrist, allowing you to keep it in a more natural position whilst working. The cuff attachment provides extra support, allowing the forearm to take some of the strain.

The long reach tools can be used from a standing or seated position.

The adjustable kneeler can be used as a stool or kneeler.

The environment:
The growing project is situated within a public park. In warmer weather the park gets fairly busy, but it is never packed with people. People comment that the project has a tranquil ‘feel’, but there is background noise from the nearby railway line and planes flying overhead. No dogs are allowed in the project (but they are allowed in the park).

At our growing sessions, you will have the opportunity to work alone or alongside others, depending on your preference. We always aim to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere during the sessions. At the weekday open sessions, the group size is rarely more than 6 people. Saturday sessions are busier, as there are also Duke of Edinburgh students working in the space, alongside regular volunteers.

Although the sessions are 2 hours long, there is no obligation to come for the entire time. It is fine to attend for part of the session, or to take regular breaks – there are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the growing space whilst you’re visiting! At every session, there will be a variety of tasks available, so that you can choose depending on your needs. Guidance is always provided by the project co-ordinator, or an experienced volunteer.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions about getting involved!