ASSIST TRUST

HELPING PEOPLE ACHIEVE

HEATH GARDENS

Heath Gardens is an Assist Trust project working with adults with learning difficulties in the Norwich area.  Heath Gardens is between Mousehold Heath and the Sprowston Road in Norwich.  

Click on map for larger image.

The 2.5 acre market garden produces naturally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, herbs, bedding plants, shrubs and trees.

Contact

Richard Ward

Tel: (01603) 764622

Mobile: (07946) 481862

TRAINING

There is a strong training element in all aspects of Heath Gardens activities.  Some of our members, for example, have been working towards their

 NVQ Level I in Commercial Horticulture.

GARDENING

Assist members have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and open spaces of the gardens whilst learning how to grow a wide variety of plants.

We are members of
Norfolk Organic Gardeners and we work in an organic way to produce high quality goods.

CONSERVATION

At Heath Gardens we also have a wildlife area with a wildflower meadow, ponds and trees.  This area is used as an educational resource, helping to bring about an awareness of the importance of conservation and wildlife.  This area has been developed by Assist members and staff to show how a wide range of wild life can be attracted by creating a variety of different habitats.

COOKERY

The Assist members regularly use the kitchen facilities at Heath Gardens to learn how to produce cheap and nutritious meals,often using produce grown on site.

NATURAL ART

This group makes use of the Field Centre at the top of the site to create interesting and attractive works of art using natural materials gathered from our site and the surrounding area.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

The facilities at Heath Gardens provide Assist with a valuable and diverse resource, able to accommodate a variety of activities, including : -

  • Money skills group
  • Advocacy group
  • Woodwork
  • Mechanics
  • Members meetings
  • Open Days and Stalls
  • Parties and Barbecues!

COMMUNITY LINKS

We have recently erected a wind turbine to supply electricity to our Heath Gardens site. This powers our lights in the main activity shed.

The funds for this was kindly donated by

SEWELL COMMUNITY POWER FORUM.

In the future we hope to develop links already formed with local schools and other groups for mutual benefit.

YOUR HELP WILL MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO ASSIST TRUST AND THE LIVES OF LOCAL ADULTS.

GARDEN SCIENCE

We collect and measure the weather details such as :-

  • the air and soil temperature.

  • wind direction and strength.

  • rain levels.

  • air humidity.

The science group plot the figures on wall charts to show the long term weather trends and test the soil to see if it is alkaline or acidic, also the mineral levels of the soil are tested.  These factors help the members understand how well certain plants will grow.  

They are also carrying out a survey on how many different species of plants and animals can be found at Heath Gardens and so far they have found over 200 different types of plants and animals.

We are growing experimental parsnips and onions from seed so that we can test new varieties.

THE FUTURE

We hope to keep developing all the activities detailed here according to the wishes and needs of the members of ASSIST as well as for the benefit of the community as a whole.