Hurst Farm community garden grows with funding boost

A community garden in Matlock is set to expand its activities after receiving funds from our Community Chest Fund.  

The funding will help Hurst Farm Regeneration Limited, also known as Hurst Farm Wild Works, complete a new event and connection space at the Farmers Community Garden on Hazel Grove.  

The garden has already transformed previously unused land into a safe and productive space where residents can grow food, learn new skills and develop supportive relationships.  

Fresh produce grown by volunteers is made available free of charge to members of the community pantry and used by the community cafe.  

The next stage of the project will add fencing, a covered storage area and a market stall, creating a flexible space for community events, training and activities for people of all ages.  

The grant will pay for the new fencing, with additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund purchasing timber, materials and labour to construct the covered area and market stall.  The work will be led by skilled woodworker and Community Activity Leader Simon Allsopp, supported by local volunteers.  

Lisa Newton, Business Development Manager at Hurst Farm Regeneration Limited said: "The Farmers Community Garden has transformed an unused piece of land into somewhere local people can grow food, learn skills, spend time outdoors and feel part of their community.  

"This funding will help us complete the next important stage of the garden by creating a safe and flexible space where people of all ages can meet, take part in activities and build connections with each other and with nature.  

"The market stall will also allow us to sell items produced through the garden, including honey, beeswax candles, plants and handmade wooden products.  This will help generate income and make the garden more sustainable and less reliant on grant funding in the future.  

"We're extremely grateful to Platform Housing Group for continuing to support our vision for Hurst Farm."  

The new space responds directly to priorities identified by residents through a door to door survey carried out in April and May 2026.  

Of the 237 residents who took part, 48 per cent wanted more activities for children and young people, while 32 per cent wanted safer spaces.  A quarter called for more activities for adults, with residents also identifying community events, mental wellbeing and access to outdoor and nature based activities as priorities.  

The expanded garden will provide activities for children and families to learn about food growing, as well as opportunities for young people building on the success of the existing Youth Ranger programme.  

Residents will also be able to develop practical and employment related skills through woodworking, dry stone walling, beekeeping, food growing, rural crafts and other structured sessions.  

Around 130 people are expected to benefit from the project, including approximately 50 Platform customers living at Hurst Farm.  

Tracey Silk, Community Engagement Officer at Platform Housing Group said: "We have already seen the difference the Farmers Community Garden makes by bringing people together, improving wellbeing and creating opportunities for residents to learn valuable new skills.  

"This next phase responds directly to what local people have said they want, more activities, safer places to spend time and opportunities to connect with their neighbours and the natural environment.  

"With around 50 Platform customers expected to benefit, we're delighted that our Community Chest funding will help the garden grow and become even more sustainable for the future."  

Independent evaluation of the existing project found that the garden directly supports people affected by health, income and access inequalities.  Volunteers have also described gaining greater pride in their neighbourhood, developing new skills and finding a safe and welcoming place to connect with others.  

The garden is open from 10.00am until 4.00pm, Monday to Thursday, and is supported by an experienced team of staff and volunteers.  

Work on the new space is expected to be completed by the end of October, allowing community events and activities to take place before winter. 

Platform's Community Chest supports local organisations and projects which help improve the lives of customers and communities across the Midlands.   

Photo caption : Conservation and Community Ranger Louise with produce from the garden.