Community Garden Blossoms in Mablethorpe

At the heart of Campus, a once-empty space has been transformed into something far more than a garden.  

A patch of land has become a place where people grow food, confidence, friendships and a cultivate a real sense of belonging. 

Launched in September 2025, with support from East Lindsey District Council, the community garden has quickly flourished into a vibrant hub for learning, wellbeing and connection.  

Designed to be free, inclusive and shaped by the people who use it, the project reflects the very ethos of the Campus - putting community first. 

From the earliest days, local residents have quite literally helped build the project from the ground up. Volunteers have constructed raised beds, planted donated bulbs and taken part in hands-on horticultural workshops.  

The first plants have already grown and vegetables grown there have already been served to customers at the Campus’ Wayfinder Cafe – a powerful symbol of what collective effort can achieve. 

Emma Tayler, Manager of the Campus for Future Living, says the garden captures the spirit of the wider project. 

“I’m so proud to see how the community has come together to bring our garden to life,” she said. “People have shared how their confidence has grown, how they’ve formed new friendships and how they feel a real sense of belonging here. 

“Seeing people learn new skills, support each other and take pride in something they’ve helped create really captures what the Campus is all about.” 

The initiative was supported by £17,782 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via East Lindsey District Council.

For Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, the garden is a clear example of how community-led investment can deliver lasting benefits. 

“It is fantastic to see the garden flourishing and bringing people together to support their wellbeing,” he said. “The funding has been used to help people learn new skills while enhancing both physical and mental health." 

“The Campus for Future Living is about connecting people with the opportunities and services they need to live well, and the community garden is a strong example of that.” 

For those taking part, the impact has been immediate and deeply personal. Many describe the sessions as a highlight of their week and something to look forward to. 

Participants speak of improved mental health, increased physical activity and a renewed sense of purpose. 

One attendee said the workshops had “a positive impact on my mental health and encouraged me to be more physically active,” while another said that learning about nature and growing food “lifted my spirits.” 

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the project. Organic waste from the Wayfinder Café - including coffee grounds and tea bags - is composted and reused in the garden, creating a closed-loop system that minimises waste.  

The garden’s success has also been shaped by collaboration. Partners including Mablethorpe Men’s Shed, learners from Clip and Lincolnshire Outdoor Learning have worked alongside tutors, volunteers and learners to support activities and expand opportunities for those involved. 

As it continues to grow, the garden remains open as a free, bookable space for local groups - ensuring it stays rooted in community ownership. Plans are already in place to welcome more visitors, including a Community Garden Open Day on 26 June, offering a chance for others to see its impact first-hand. 

In a town where connection and opportunity are key to shaping future wellbeing, the community garden stands as a living, growing example of what’s possible when people come together.  

The Campus Community Garden is nurturing a stronger, healthier community.