About The GAP Swindon
The GAP Swindon is a community garden project located off Carstairs Avenue in Park South.

The idea of the Swindon GAP started in 2020, and the idea was for local people to grow fruit and vegetables for local people to share. Matthew French, who is the founder, initially thought of the project, and it is now organised by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

It is based on land behind housing in Carstairs Avenue, in Park South, on an abandoned allotment site. It can be accessed through a gap between houses opposite Lawton Close, postcode area SN3 2DE. The What3words reference to the entrance in Carstiars Avenue is cheer.couch.insect.

Volunteers at The GAP have been busy installing self-supporting raised beds and “No Dig” method veg beds as part of the project, and are looking for more volunteers to join them, tending the plants, weeding, planting, sowing seeds, watering, grass cutting and installing and building more “No Dig” raised beds with recycled materials.

The role of a volunteer:
If you are a keen gardener or enjoy spending time outdoors, then we need you!

• An estimated commitment of 10 hours per month is required by a volunteer.
• Take part in hands on planting, outreach and promotional activities for the GAP site.
• Attend occasional evenings or weekends to oversee site checks and update the notice boards.
• Help develop and improve the site overall and keep it secure – with general upkeep, garden maintenance and delivering new projects, such as an accessible space for people with disabilities and specially built raised beds, or purpose built tool shed.

The volunteers at The GAP are also grateful for donations of wood, such as decking boards, scaffolding boards, and pallets, as well as corrugated metal sheets, garden tools, and also topsoil, compost, and manure.

More information about this excellent local community initiative can be found by visiting The Gap Facebook page here – Friends of the GAP https://www.facebook.com/groups/752284592760091
You can also contact GAP Swindon via ‘The Shop’, Unit C George Hall Court, Cavendish Square, Park South, SN3 2LZ or via telephone on 01793 529938 or email at: thegapswindon@yahoo.com