Connect & Grow Through Gardening and Contact with the Natural World

Triangle Community Garden: Volunteers Needed to Keep This Vital Space Thriving

Nestled in the heart of Hitchin, Triangle Community Garden is more than just a green space—it’s a place where people come together to learn, grow, and connect. Throughout the week, the Triangle Garden runs Growing Ability, a therapeutic horticulture project for people with support needs, Tuesdays to Thursdays. On Fridays and weekends, it opens its gates to the public, inviting local people to cultivate and care for its community nature gardens in Ransom's Recreation Ground. However, to keep this invaluable resource thriving, the garden urgently needs more volunteers, particularly for their mid-week activities.

Why Volunteers Matter

Volunteers are essential to the garden’s success. They support staff in running its Growing Ability sessions, and with general upkeep of the gardens, helping to ensure that everyone who visits can enjoy a fulfilling and educational experience. If more volunteers step forward, the garden could expand its activities, allowing even more people to benefit from its therapeutic activities.

What They Need

The garden involves friendly, reliable volunteers who don’t mind a bit of chilly weather and enjoy helping others. Ideally, session volunteers can commit to coming every week, but the garden also maintains a volunteer bank for those who can help on a less frequent basis and you may be able to support occasional events. No prior experience is necessary—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!

Meet Sarah: A Volunteer Making a Difference

Sarah, a local resident and recently retired paediatric nurse, found her volunteering opportunity through GoVolHerts some time ago. With a love of gardening and a desire to try something new, she was excited to join Triangle Community Garden’s Wednesday afternoon sessions for adults with support needs. Each Wednesday from 12:30 to 3:00 pm, Sarah assists the staff by helping with gardening, craft or cooking activities, and providing general support. She receives a session plan in advance, so she knows what to expect, but there’s no prep required—just a willingness to lend a hand. By simply being there, Sarah helps the staff offer more activities, such as taking participants on walks. Through this role, Sarah has formed strong connections with the project's participants. She finds it incredibly rewarding to see them grow in confidence, become more active in the group, and develop their skills. Despite her background in a caring profession, she had no prior experience working with adults with learning disabilities, and she has found this new experience both enriching and enjoyable.

Holly’s Story: A Participant Thriving in the Garden

Holly has been attending the garden’s courses for a long time and absolutely loves it. While she enjoys all aspects of the program, she has taken a particular interest in helping new students settle in. She also plays a key role in preparing for the Growing Ability plant stall day, held on the first Thursday of each month. Recently, Holly has developed a keen enthusiasm for wellbeing and healthy eating, an interest sparked by another participant. Since embracing a healthier lifestyle, she has even lost weight and now actively encourages others to stay active and eat well. The session leaders have noted a huge boost in Holly’s confidence—she has gone from being reserved to sharing health tips with fellow participants.

Get Involved

Triangle Community Garden is making a real difference in people’s lives, but they need more volunteers to keep going. Whether you can commit to a regular slot or just help occasionally, your time and effort will be greatly valued. If you’d like to get involved or learn more about current roles click here.