A COMMUNITY garden could soon be flourishing in Mary Tavy, following an agreement on a site within the village.

The garden is one of the projects being started by the village's Jubilee Group.

Group member Lynne Roper said approval had now been granted by Devon County Council to rent a piece of land owned by them for a peppercorn rent.

The land is situated fairly centrally in the village and has easy access.

The garden group is now appealing for donations of seeds, the loan of tools and some muscle power to help get the project under way. Later, seedling donations would be very welcome.

Lynne said: 'It would be fantastic if we can get some more people involved with it now, some people have been very enthusiastic so I hope we can get it off the ground.'

Lynne said the idea behind the community garden was to work together to create a social space for everybody in the village to use and enjoy. The aim was to grow fruits and vegetables along with decorative plants, and share work, space and produce from the garden.

'It wouldn't be strips of land with individuals working them, like allotments, but ultimately it will be a case of seeing what people would like to see grown there, and getting on with it,' said Lynne.

'It's for all ages, maybe if you are a bit too old to manage a whole allotment you could come down and just do a little bit, and the school is keen to get involved too.'

Lynne said the group would love to hear from anyone who liked the idea of the community garden, whether they were experienced gardeners who could offer advice if not physical work, or complete beginners.

The site has never been cultivated before, so initially there would be a certain amount of heavy digging to do, said Lynne.

Anyone who can help or who would like to find out more or get involved should call project leader Lynne Roper on 01822 810686 or alternatively email [email protected]">[email protected]