Community case study - Sedgefield community 'Hive' grows during lockdown

Carole Lawford from Sedgefield came up with the idea of an accessible sustainable community project that offers produce grown using money generated by the business and run by volunteers.

As a tenant of ours Carole applied for funding from our Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) to support the project as it showed signs of outgrowing the horticultural facilities kindly offered to her by Sedgefield Primary School.  During lockdown Carole and her volunteers were able to grow and distribute vegetables and flowers to older and disabled members of the community to lift their spirits and provide much needed help during difficult times.

The Hive, located on the old Ford showroom site officially opened its doors in April to promote sustainable local produce and offers fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables and gifts as well as artwork form local artist Jane Spink.

Following initial funding from us to help Carole grow the project, we supported her to apply for additional funding from Durham County Council and Sedgefield Parish Council, to develop an accessible community garden that provides the shop with ready produce nurtured by volunteers. 

The garden is well underway and there are plans in motion to offer areas to those who are older or have debilitating health so they can continue their hobby with the help of volunteers. Due to changes in Carole’s health in recent years she is in a unique position to understand and facilitate that support.