Growing together in Kelso

We were delighted to be featured in the recent edition of the Community Food Growers newsletter showcasing the great work that continues at our Rodger Fish Community Garden in Kelso – a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working with our colleagues Abundant Borders.

The garden along with the neighbouring allotments, was part of the original plans when Rodger Fish Gardens was first built, creating space for our tenants and the wider community to grow their own food.

The garden is now a thriving community space where people can grow food, take part in activities, build skills and improve their wellbeing. While the Allotment holders supported the adjacent site for a few years, changes in capacity made it more difficult to maintain in the longer term.

We have helped create stability by taking on allotment lettings and developed a partnership with Abundant Borders that brought in additional support and expertise. Funded roles, including a Project Officer and a Green Space Wellbeing Officer, mean the garden is a welcoming and inclusive place.

Today, the site is full of activity. A polytunnel has increased growing capacity, with fresh produce shared with Eildon customers and the Kelso Community Larder. Volunteering opportunities are helping people build confidence and learn new skills, while the garden itself offers a calm and supportive space for wellbeing.

The garden also brings people together through events, workshops and partnership activity, strengthening connections across the community.

Rodger Fish Community Garden shows how working together can create lasting, positive change and a community resource that continues to grow.

Interested in finding out more? Take a look at our flyer.