Almost four years ago, the local community in Cowley and East Oxford set about transforming a toxic, waste-filled old garage site into a beautiful community garden, open to all to visit and enjoy.

The surrounding community has come to love this space and uses the garden in a variety of ways. Children’s centres and youth groups use the space for outdoor activities; a permaculture and gardening group meet regularly to help with the maintenance and development of the garden and the garden has also proven to be a very popular venue for locals to book to hold children’s parties, meetings, workshops, and other community events.

As well as being a beautiful asset for the community, the trustees of the garden also host many regular events throughout the year, such as the annual Plant Swap and gardening workshop which is taking place on the Saturday, May 7, or the family activity day: Without Walls family activity and Easter Egg hunt, taking place on Sunday, April 24. The garden is also open every weekend to the public, from 11am to 5pm, between March and October. This provides a space for all to visit and enjoy and relax and unwinding from the hustle and bustle of neighbouring Cowley Road.

To keep the garden open to the public on weekends, the garden runs a volunteer ‘Garden Guardians’ scheme.

Guardians open and close the garden and are a point of contact for queries from visitors. It is a voluntary role that would suit anyone. Whilst on duty, parents and carers can bring their children along to play in the garden, students can study, you can bring your friends and have a picnic, or you can simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere and welcome people to the garden.

The garden aims to be peaceful haven for anyone, regardless of culture, age or religion. The founders want people to come and enjoy the space and feel part of a great community.

The project is a registered charity managed by the local community and is a great place for community gatherings.

To find out more about volunteering at the garden, or about events taking place, visit www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk, email barrackslanegarden@yahoo.co.uk or call the co-ordinator on 01865 236088.