Residents of Graven Hill have begun the first spring planting season at a newly opened community garden located within the grounds of Graven Hill Primary School on the outskirts of Bicester.
The initiative, led by the Graven Hill Community Garden Group, saw volunteers and young helpers gather at the site to install planters and begin planting a variety of summer crops, seedlings and saplings.
Their efforts are helping transform the area into a vibrant outdoor space designed for both community use and environmental learning.
The garden forms part of a broader effort to strengthen community engagement and promote sustainable living within the rapidly growing Graven Hill development. Organisers hope the space will become a central hub where residents can work together while also encouraging younger generations to learn more about food production and nature.
The project has been supported by Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) and contractors DGK as part of ongoing investment in green initiatives and community wellbeing across the development.
In addition to providing a shared green space for residents, the garden will offer practical learning opportunities for pupils at Graven Hill Primary School and visiting children from the community.
Bryony Core, from The Graven Hill Community Garden Group, said:
“This garden is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when our community works together. Seeing residents working together brought home just how special Graven Hill’s spirit of collaboration really is. We’re excited to watch the garden flourish over the coming months and become a space we can all be proud of.”
The new garden complements a wider network of green spaces across the development, including woodlands, play areas and open recreational areas designed to support an active and connected community.
Gemma Davis, Customer Experience Director at GHVDC added:
“The community garden complements the fantastic woodlands, play areas and open green spaces we’ve created across the development. We’re thrilled to see residents taking such an active role in shaping their shared environment.”
Graven Hill is now home to more than 600 residents, and the creation of the community garden further reinforces the development’s commitment to sustainability, wellbeing and community collaboration.
As planting continues through the spring and summer months, residents hope the garden will grow into a thriving shared space that reflects the strong community spirit at the heart of Graven Hill.
