Keep Swindon Tidy / Plastic Free Swindon have regularly regularly litter picked along the Canal Path, including Cambria Bridge, since 2018. We were looking for ways to keep the area clean. Community gardening is a good way to do this, encouraging respect for the environment (see broken window theory).
Growing South Swindon Community (GSSC) was officially formed in 2022 after collaboration between Plastic Free Swindon, South Swindon Parish Council, and local residents. Its key aims are to improve the local environment and to bring together community.
Projects include raised flower beds, The Bean Patch, fruit bushes, a mud kitchen, a herb garden aka “Nature’s Pharmacy”, and a community allotment. The differences at Cambria Bridge have been amazing. The area was not well used and was commonly used as a dumping ground. Our work has helped to transform the area. It’s now well used and loved by the local community.
Growing / buying local food is beneficial in many respects, for the good health of the environment, people, animals, and the economy. See our article, "Supermarkets cost the Earth" for more info.
Growing South Swindon Community is part of Swindon Growers, a network of growing groups which are run by and for local communities. Swindon Growers hosts the annual Growers Summit, Crop Drop, and Growers Drinks at the Beehive. Contact them at to get involved with a growing group in your area.
