I’m off wandering again. At the end of April I will begin the challenging 850 km Camino de Norte to Santiago de Compostela to raise funds to create a wildlife habitat in the much-loved Leechwell Garden. I joined the Leechwell Garden Association last year having moved to Totnes from Essex.It is almost 20 years ago that a small group of local volunteers began the campaign to successfully save this ancient site and create a green space in the heart of Totnes for the benefit of the whole community.

Since it opened in 2010, the Leechwell Garden Association has managed and maintained the Garden, working with South Hams District Council, supported by the tremendous input of local volunteers and members of the community. We have been particularly grateful in the last two years to local parents who have provided the materials and professional skills for free in order to build the sandcastle to protect the sandpit, and to create and install the unique oak table and benches where so many residents and visitors meet and eat.

But we now need the help of all who use and love the Garden. Please sponsor me on this most difficult Camino route, as I try to raise funds to create a wildlife area, we hope this will be used by the local children to learn about the natural world around them and how we can work together towards a sustainable future. I will be posting updates on my progress over the coming weeks. There is also a donate button on the LGA website, www.leechwellgarden.org.uk, or a box by the main gates for contributions. We are so appreciative of all your donations as we do not receive any direct funding. I am self funding this walk and all donations will go directly to the project

And if you have time, do join the volunteer group on Thursday mornings, 10am to 12, to maintain the Garden and keep it looking lovely.  No experience needed and all tools provided. Or join us on the Leechwell Garden Association.  We meet once a month and make decisions on your behalf on how to manage and improve the Garden.

Leechwell Garden began as a community effort, and we need your support to continue to look after and protect this very special space.