This week's feature from Tweeddale Volunteers features Peebles CAN

Tell us about your organisation

Peebles CAN boasts a large community garden with polytunnels, herb garden, and of course many veggie beds and fruit bushes. Peebles CAN promotes sustainability, empowering people to learn new skills and supporting a healthy active lifestyle for everyone.

People of all ages and abilities volunteer in the community garden to enjoy fresh local vegetables and fruit. Everyone is encouraged to take a harvest from the garden at the end of each session. It is a great place to meet like-minded people and develop new skills.

What is your role as a volunteer?

“I find the volunteer roles are varied and there is lots of choice – some days I am watering plants and sowing seeds, other days I will be digging over a bed and weeding. The community garden is a place for learning – which means complete beginners are welcomed – as well as those with ample experience who can share their knowledge with others.”

What do you get out of it? What is the best thing about volunteering?

“I enjoy coming to the community garden. I’m on my own when I garden at home – it's nice to be here working with others.”

"Fresh air, exercise, friendly people, exchange of ideas and techniques for growing vegetables and maintaining a healthy soil"

“Seeing the impact my volunteering has on the local community”

“I really like working outside and with my hands.”

Would you encourage others to get involved and why?

“Yes – It’s great to have access to fresh vegetables and take seasonal produce home after volunteering sessions”

“Yes – It’s a great way to socialise and work together”

How would someone get in touch?

You can drop in to one of our weekly volunteer sessions, Tuesday or Friday 10am-noon and have a tour of the garden, or you can contact nichole@peeblescan.org to find out more.

The garden is located behind Victoria Park Day Centre, on Kingsmeadows Road.