Ellacombe Community Garden Feast
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Torbay
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September 2025
SDS has supported Ellacombe Community Partnership for over two years through Together360 funding, helping sustain the garden as a thriving hub for learning, wellbeing and community connection.
The Challenge
The Ellacombe Community Garden was created to provide a safe, social space for residents to connect through growing and cooking food together.
However, after several seasons of development, the partnership wanted to find a meaningful way to bring everyone together — from the children who tend the vegetable beds after school to the volunteers and neighbours who help maintain the space.
The challenge was to host a community celebration that showcased the garden’s progress, encouraged wider participation, and strengthened intergenerational bonds — all while keeping the event accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Our Approach
In August 2025, this support helped make possible the first Community Garden Feast — a celebration of shared food, creativity and collaboration.
Despite unpredictable weather, 39 people attended and together, they prepared and shared 52 meals cooked on the BBQ using fresh produce picked from the garden.
“The garden is a great addition to my children’s growth. They are starting to see what healthy friendships and relationships are from meeting new people and gaining new knowledge and experiences. It’s great — we all love it.”
— Parent attendee
The Impact
- 39 attendees including children, parents and residents
- 52 meals shared using garden-grown produce
- Three generations represented at the feast
- Two years of SDS funding enabling materials, maintenance and activity resources
- Future improvements planned – earlier scheduling, more seating and rain-proof workshops
Why It Matters
Community gardens like Ellacombe provide vital outdoor spaces for connection, creativity and wellbeing. They help reduce isolation, encourage sustainable habits, and give children hands-on learning experiences around nature and food.
By investing in this project, SDS is supporting Torbay Council’s objectives-creating opportunities for people of all ages to grow, share and learn together, building healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods.
