TRUE STORIES
A GARDEN OF OPPORTUNITY
Sowing seeds of hope for the local homeless community, we speak with Ruth Wood from Cambridge Cyrenians about the incredibly transformative power of the allotment
Words PHOEBE HARPER
W hen it comes to finding an occupation that is at the same time rewarding and empowering, reams have been written about the benefits of gardening and spending time outside, particularly during the summer months when the weather can be kind. Providing exactly that, local charity Cambridge Cyrenians has carved out a small patch of industry as a thriving community allotment, offering a slice of Eden to those looking to unearth and harness the wonders of nature. The brains behind this social and therapeutic horticulture project is Ruth Wood. As manager of the allotment, Ruth facilitates horticulture, nature-based art and forest skills sessions for small groups of adults who are either currently or have been homeless and/or are vulnerable to homelessness. “I run sessions across two days a week, throughout the year, rain or shine,” she tells us. “Our project is a safe space where group members can build an important, supportive network. Working together regularly on practical, creative and meaningful tasks is one of the best ways to develop successful relationships with others. This kind of positive network can sometimes be lacking for people who have been homeless.” Green shoots The allotment began life as two plots on a local site in 2009, founded by the previous director of Cambridge Cyrenians, Brian Holman. Residents would come for a few hours a week to work together, but since Ruth took the helm of the project in 2012, the site has blossomed into approximately half an acre in size encompassing a diverse scope of growing spaces. This has ensured that the plot sustains both volunteers and wildlife throughout the year. With both
68 AUGUST 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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