A local community garden in Chacewater, Cornwall, which serves a population of around 2,500 individuals by growing fresh produce, has doubled its rainwater harvesting capabilities thanks to support from South West Water.
Chacewater Community Garden, run by a small group of volunteers, began in 2020 and is passionate about becoming more independent by increasing the amount of rainwater it can harvest.
The garden volunteers grow a wide range of seasonal fruit, herbs and vegetables as well as cut flowers and decorative planting for the benefit of their community. It is also a place where children from the nearby village school can go to learn about growing plants and their own food before putting their learnings into action and seeing their efforts grow before their eyes.
Thanks to support from South West Water’s Water-Saving Community Fund, the garden has more than doubled its rainwater harvesting by installing four 1,000-litre storage tanks, linking them into their existing system and purchasing a new pump to move the supplies around with ease. In achieving this, the volunteers are now able to continue providing delicious produce, beautiful flowers, and an enrichment space for local children to learn about gardening year-round.
The garden’s volunteers are determined to become self-reliant and reduce their need to use mains water during hotter and drier summer months.
Paul Shevlin, Secretary of Chacewater Projects, said: “Thanks to South West Water’s Water-Saving Community Fund, we are now able to catch and store enough rainwater to help us get through those hot and dry summer months.
No longer needing to use mains water, the garden can instead invest more in educational activities and planting more fruit and veg for the community.”
Laura Flowerdew, Chief Customer and Digital Officer at South West Water said: “The communities within our South West region are constantly impressing us with their drive to save water, and the Chacewater Community Garden is a great example of this.
“Proudly maintained and cared for by such a dedicated group of volunteers, the Chacewater Community Garden is set to flourish this summer thanks to their efforts and innovation.”
Since launching in 2021, South West Water’s Water-Saving Community Fund has supported local not-for-profit organisations and community groups with projects that benefit the community, help to conserve water, and work to reduce water waste.
For more information about the fund, and for details on how to apply, visit southwestwater.co.uk/household/your-services/save-water/water-saving-community-fund
