New community garden to be fruitful for passengers at Northallerton station
Passengers passing through Northallerton station will soon be able to help themselves to plums, strawberries and herbs from a new community garden.
Located on a former unused area next to the ticket office, the garden has been installed by TransPennine Express (TPE) in partnership with community group Incredible Edible.
The space will be cared for by green-fingered station staff and Incredible Edible volunteers, who are part of a scheme that encourages communities to get involved in growing fresh produce.
Dozens of plants and trees used for the project were donated by Braithwaites Garden Centre and Florist, while the planters were made from recycled timber by Chopsticks, a local charity that supports adults with disabilities to develop new skills in a workshop environment.
As well as providing bountiful produce, the garden will be a haven for wildlife and pollinators.
Steve Gilder, Environment Delivery Lead at TPE, said: “We have brightened up an unused area of the station with colourful planters and vibrant plants for our passengers, colleagues and communities to enjoy, whilst also supporting local wildlife such as pollinator and bird species. We can’t wait to see the produce grown in this garden area next year and beyond, so if visiting the station in the future, please take a look at the garden area and help yourself to what is available.”
The initiative has also been greatly welcomed by the local Incredible Edible team, who said: "Incredible Edible Northallerton is delighted to work with TPE to create another green and welcoming space for people and nature.
“Our aim is to create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food. We now have four sites around the town growing fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables to share with anyone who wishes to pick some. We use sustainable methods to encourage biodiversity and have provided seating in two places to encourage people just to sit, pause and enjoy the space. Several other organisations have been inspired to create their own versions too, which is really exciting."
Earlier this year, as part of the train operator’s commitment to sustainability, TPE began a trial of a specially designed planter which captures, uses, and stores rainwater before slowly releasing it into drains at Northallerton station.
It captures water runoff from guttering before it can enter drains, helping to reduce the risk of local drainage networks being overwhelmed during storms, leading to flooding or pollution.
As well as storing water, the planter also provides multiple habitats including native wildflower planting, a bee hotel and deadwood zones, acting as a refuge and habitat for pollinators and other insects.
TPE aims to lead and enable sustainable tourism and transport across the North of England and into Scotland.
More information is available on the train operator's website: tpexpress.co.uk/about-us/sustainability/