For those who don’t know, Muddy Fork is based at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Idle Valley nature reserve – a beautiful setting for the group. They are a growing charity that helps to improve wellbeing and mental health through nature-based interventions. Muddy Fork is a community garden offering opportunities to get gardening every session; there is so much research showing the benefits of gardening to improve mental health and they know it works!
Muddy Fork would not be able to run without volunteers. They have a dedicated team who show up week in, week out, whatever the weather. Many of the volunteers have been with Muddy Fork for years; their dedication and commitment are both commendable and invaluable. The volunteers are a varied, interesting, knowledgeable bunch but the one thing they all share is their commitment and passion for the charity.
All the jobs in the garden are completed by volunteers and participants, but it’s not all work and no play – there is always time for a brew and a chat. There is now more space for growing then ever and the group would welcome new volunteers. If this is something that might interest you or anyone you know, please get in touch.
Muddy Fork pride themselves in being an inclusive community open to anyone who feels they could benefit from what’s on offer. Please reach out if you feel this is something that could help you, or you know someone you think would benefit from getting involved. The garden is a safe place where participants can join in as much or as little as they want. You do not have to be a gardener or know anything about gardening; everyone learns together.
Volunteers in the garden have been busy harvesting willow, cleaning polytunnels, willow weaving, planning, planning and more planning for the fast-approaching growing season.
Within Bassetlaw there are numerous services run by dedicated people, and some of these groups are building a strong network to get the best opportunity for each individual. New Garden Co-ordinator Harri Phillips was invited to the Fibromyalgia group that runs on the first Wednesday of every month in the Wellbeing Centre in Retford. Harri enjoyed chatting about all things Muddy Fork over a lovely cuppa and was made to feel incredibly welcome.
The group is always happy to welcome visitors to the garden. Sessions run on Mondays at 9.30am to 12.30pm and Wednesdays and Fridays at 10.30am to 2.30pm, so if you’re at Idle Valley walking or sampling the cake pop in and say hi! Look for the robin in the corner of the car park.
For more information on group activities or on how to make a referral, please visit www.muddyfork.org, call 07421 356717 or email enquiries@muddyfork.org.