29 Apr 2026 | Posted by Mike Underwood
A thriving community garden is transforming both the landscape and lives at the Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe.
Launched in September 2025 with funding from East Lindsey District Council, the garden has quickly become a vibrant hub for learning, wellbeing and connection. Designed to be free, accessible and shaped entirely by the community it serves, the project places local people at its heart.
Residents have been hands-on from the outset, helping to build raised beds, plant donated bulbs and take part in practical horticultural workshops. The first seedlings are now growing, marking an important milestone for a project rooted in sustainability, shared ownership and pride.
Emma Tayler, Manager of the Campus for Future Living, said: “I’m so proud to see how the community has come together to bring our garden to life. The feedback we’ve received has been incredibly inspiring, with people sharing how their confidence has grown and how new friendships and a real sense of belonging have formed.
“Seeing people learn new skills, support each other and take pride in something they’ve helped create really captures what the Campus is all about.”
East Lindsey District Council supported the garden with £17,782 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, said the project demonstrates the positive impact of investing in community-led initiatives.
“It is fantastic to see the garden flourishing and bringing people together to support their wellbeing. It is very pleasing to see how the funding has been used to help people learn new skills while enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.
“The Campus for Future Living is about connecting people with the opportunities and services they need to live well, and the community garden is a strong example of that.”
Participants say the benefits have been immediate. Many describe the sessions as something they look forward to, noting improvements in mental health, increased confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
One attendee said the workshops had “a positive impact on my mental health and encouraged me to be more physically active,” while another said learning about nature and growing food “lifted my spirits.”
The project also embeds sustainable practices. Coffee grounds and tea bags from the Campus’ Wayfinder Café are composted and reused in the garden, with plans for produce grown on site to be used by the café in the future.
The garden is supported by partners including Mablethorpe Men’s Shed and Lincolnshire Outdoor Learning, alongside tutors, volunteers and learners.
It is a free, bookable space for local groups, with a Community Garden Open Day taking place on 26 June.
For more information or to get involved, call 01507 304474 or visit www.campusforfutureliving.co.uk.