VOLUNTEERS turned out in force to carry out improvements to a community garden in Oxford at the weekend.

They donned their scruffiest clothes and got out their spades to help smarten up the Barracks Lane Community Garden ahead of its 2011 season.

And they also helped install a log-burning stove in the garden’s new wooden hut, to be used as a meeting place for community groups in East Oxford.

Work on the new building, which replaces a fabric yurt, began last month.

Described as an eco-shelter, it has solar panels on the roof to generate its own electricity.

Following the site’s use as garages the ground was contaminated and the area had become a target for antisocial behaviour. But in 2007 local residents got together to transform the land into a community garden. The site, off Cowley Road, is managed by community volunteers and is open throughout the year.

Jack Pritchard, 24, from Rose Hill, was among those lending a hand. He said: “When I heard about the scheme I thought it would be a nice thing to get involved in. My first port of call was helping with the log burner but I’m happy to help with whatever needs doing.

“It’s obviously a nice peaceful area for the whole community to enjoy so it was nice to come along and lend a hand.”

Volunteer Stuart Turner, who runs family workshops at the site, said: “I think it’s really important to have areas and facilities like this in the community.

“The gardens have been realised and created by those living nearby and continue to be used by so many groups and organisations.”

  • Work is also taking place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. If you want to help, call 01865 236088 or email barrackslanegarden@yahoo.co.uk.]