Our survey results!

We ran a survey as a form of public consultation to hear from the locals of the area to grasp what they would like to see in the community garden. This blog will share the survey results.

44 folk responded to the survey which is not a massive amount but still a good amount given most people have survey fatigue these days and the thought of another survey sends shivers down ones back. Due to this, there were only two questions, the first a multiple-choice question and the second, a free text answer.

Here are the two questions we asked:

It was important to keep this short and appropriate and the average response time was less than 2 minutes. Now onto the results. Of course, question 1 as seen was slightly prescriptive, but this was the case as people might not have known what could or is often found in community gardens, and we also added the extra "other" option for people to add their own responses. See the results for question one here:

It was surprising no one wanted/bothered about signage being in the garden. It was great that the responses with the most votes are areas we are already planing or indeed already have such as a wildlife section and woodland area and orchard, and benches are of course something we are planing once we get the path networks installed by the local authority.

In regards to the "other" option, some of the free text entered here included gym area, cctv, bins, herb garden, sensory areas and raised beds for wheelchair users, potting shelter, cooking facilities for outdoors, grass, campfire and lots of trees, food growing, sandpit, events, fairy garden, flower bed areas, community fridge, workspace for workshops, bird boxes, memorial wall, a small shop

In regards to question 2, we had some great responses and ideas, see below:

When a good harvest, sell produce.

As well as attracting wildlife and growing food, it would be good if the community garden had a sensory and relaxation area for adults and children and also a small memorial area if possible. Would also be good to see gardening workshops for adults and children.

Quick growing stuff to embrace kids.

With some chairs and tables would be possible to organize activities for kids.

Toilet should be composting toilet like in other community gardens.

Fruit and veg planting classes maybe?

An ORCHARD With A Variety of Fruit Trees Would Be AWESOME + GOOD 4 THE ENVIRONMENT TOO?

Some plant labels/signs woth info so people know what things are, when to harvest etc or a “ready to pick” sign next to things that are ready so people know. If noticed a lot wasted possibly beside people aren’t sure if things are ok to harvest. A children's area would be amazing too!

A nice heritage fruit section plums apples pears would allow for shared learning of how to care for each type when/ how to prune.

Sensory garden for additional needs children in the area would be amazing. I have two children with autism and this is something that would be highly beneficial.

A playpark on the right hand side would be fantastic! Even just a wee one or some swings etc. It’s currently just empty and used for dogs to poo in unfortunately. A small park would be great for the kids in the area who currently play on the roads.

Be great for we after school club.

Ornaments & painted stones to brighten up the area.

Thank you all who took the time and we will bring this to our AGM (which you are all welcome to, keep an eye on Facebook and the website for dates) to chat about plans and moving forward on these amazing ideas and suggestions.