Community Development Action Hertfordshire

Community Garden


Communities Growing Together

The Community Garden in St Albans is a CDA Herts initiative bringing together diverse local communities to foster cohesion and wellbeing.

Established in 2010 on land generously provided by Oaklands College, it offers a safe and welcoming space where people can work side by side, share skills and support one another.

The garden hosts community organisations, provides practical advice and serves as a hub for local charities and groups.

What We Do

We help people connect with nature, with one another and with useful practical skills.

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    Older people: opportunities for people without gardens to enjoy nature, meet others and reduce isolation.
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    Inclusive access: raised beds and accessible paths enable people with different abilities to participate.
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    Community diversity: a welcoming space for minority ethnic communities, including St Albans’ Bangladeshi community.
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    Families and individuals: a friendly place for single-parent families and individuals to get involved.
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    Health and wellbeing: gentle activity and growing opportunities, including referrals from health providers.
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    Celebrations: open days showcasing the garden, its produce and the achievements of everyone involved.
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    Community sessions: activities with Passport to Leisure, Daylight Club, Czechs and Slovaks, and St Albans Woodcraft Folk.

Groups at the Garden

The garden is shared by a wide range of local organisations and community groups, including:

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    St Albans Adult Learning Services
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    Herts Asian Women’s Association
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    Hertbeats
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    FoodSmiles
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    St Albans Childminders
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    St Albans Beekeepers
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    Hill End and local Scout groups

Learning and Partnerships

We work with schools, colleges and youth programmes so learners can gain practical experience and work towards qualifications including City & Guilds and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Partners including HACRO and Groundwork use the garden for skills development and training. The garden has also supported opportunities for young people through the National Citizen Service.

Our volunteers make the garden thrive. Special thanks go to Ken and Phil, who help maintain the garden and undertake much of the essential work behind the scenes.

We also acknowledge the contribution of Brian Gibson, Life President of Hertbeats, who played a pivotal role in establishing the garden.

An Award-Winning Community Garden

In November 2018, the garden won the National Groundwork Community Award for Best Community Group Contribution to Community Cohesion.

Community Garden Gallery

Moments from the garden, with people learning, growing and spending time together.

Location and Directions

The Community Garden is located near Oaklands College in St Albans.

Take the A1057, Hatfield Road, from Hatfield towards St Albans. Just before Oaklands College, turn left into Colney Heath Lane and follow the brown signs towards Earthworks.

At the roundabout, turn right and then bear left almost immediately. Where the road bends to the right, turn left into Hixberry Lane. Continue for approximately 300 yards and enter through the double gates on the right.

Continue past the Earthworks site and through the gates until you reach the small car park.

Funders and Partners

The Community Garden has received valued support from organisations that have helped the garden grow and continue serving local communities.

Get Involved

Volunteers are at the heart of the Community Garden. Whether you are interested in gardening, supporting community activities or simply spending time outdoors with others, we would love to hear from you.