Martineau Gardens is profiled in a new scheme titled ‘Gardens of Sanctuary’ reporting on the contributions of refugees and asylum seekers participating in community growing activities.

Gardens of Sanctuary is a partnership between City of Sanctuary, Social Farms & Gardens and the Permaculture Association. They explain it as this:

“We have a vision of a network of green spaces with a culture of welcome, in which asylum seekers and refugees feel safe and appreciated as valued contributors and co-creators of community gardens and environmental projects across the UK.

For those who arrive to seek asylum in the UK, community gardens, city farms and other community growing spaces can offer vital and unique opportunities to find community, improve mental and physical health and to learn and share skills.

Around the UK there are some fantastic examples of growing spaces led by, and offering opportunities to, people who have been forced to seek sanctuary. ”

You can find out more about the project on the Gardens of Sanctuary website – there is a Resource Pack, Report and Case Studies, plus links to a range of other resources and organisations that could be useful for any community growing group who is interested in working with sanctuary seekers.

Social Farms and Gardens have included Martineau Gardens in their case studies: Read the case study about Martineau Gardens here.