A GARDEN aimed at creating a learning resource for children while helping strengthen links between the generations in a north Durham community is starting to take shape.

Ushaw Moor Action Group has got the keys to Ushaw Moor Community Garden in the village near Durham City, following preparatory construction work on the site - allowing Friends of the Garden to begin planting.

Action group chairman John Booth: "Our group is extremely grateful for all the support we have had from residents and partners in developing this fabulous facility which will serve the needs of the community well into the future. "The garden will provide a quality community open space which will benefit people of all ages regardless of where they live in the village.

"Our aim is to develop a totally inclusive facility and we are delighted to support the Durham Agency Against Crime HAGGRID Project, which is a positive youth diversion programme based around horticulture and agriculture for young people - as well as their aims to build stronger communities through intergenerational activities."

During the planning of the project the group engaged with the wider community through a series of consultation events to come up with a final design and to meet the aspirations of residents.

Mr Booth added, the project managed Groundwork North East would help improve people's health and mental well-being by providing enjoyable outdoor physical activity, social contact and learning opportunities and a space for quiet reflection.

Christine Corker, senior project officer with Groundwork North East, said: "This community garden is a perfect example of what communities can achieve through working in partnership.

"Ushaw Moor Action Group is active group with drive and passion to improve the area in which they live and worked very hard to involve the wider community in this project. As a result of this success the group are now planning their next project". The development was made possible after land was released by Durham County Council and The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and with grant funding from The Big Lottery Community Spaces fund, The County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT) and Durham county councillor John Wilkinson’s Neighbourhood Budget.

Opportunities for volunteering will be created create in the on-going planned activities. For example food growing, garden maintenance, play, celebration and fundraising events.