Tremendous progress has been made in the garden in 2009.  The garden went from its wild state at the start of the year to being cultivated in late spring. With planting of vegetables, flowers and hedgerow taking place in late spring / early summer, the garden flourished during the summer months.

Digging and planting
Our volunteers dug more vegetable plots, created a flower garden and restored the Rainbow Border (the ornamental garden). The garden was entered in the Reading in Bloom competition.

Wildflowers / trees
Our volunteers surveyed and photographed wildflowers and trees in the meadow areas

Wildlife habitats
Our volunteers installed features to encourage wildlife e.g. nesting boxes, bee homes, a hedgerow, mini-beast mansion, hedgehog home and log piles. 

Schools visits
Our volunteers hosted ‘learning visits’ by classes from local primary schools, including Redlands School – Junction Class (Year 2)

Community groups
Our volunteers:

• established a regular after-school gardening club (the ‘Earthlings’)
• welcomed regular visits by clients from the mental health charities ‘Resource’ and ‘Compass’ for therapeutic gardening sessions
• negotiated with other charities concerning gardening for older people and people with physical disabilities
• welcomed new volunteers and teams of university student helpers

Harvest Fete
Ridgeline Trust held its first Harvest Fête on 27th September.  The local community flocked to the site to join members and volunteers to celebrate the harvest.  There was a barbecue, games for children, and the opportunity for all to taste the harvest fare.  Stalls laden with produce were manned by volunteers and the proceeds of the sale of produce will contribute to running costs.  From the success of the event, we hope it will become an annual event.

Construction
Volunteers erected a shed and greenhouse (both kindly donated).  A compost area and seating area was also implemented.