The future of a community garden in Totnes loved by local families and visitors alike is uncertain due to lack of funds.

Leechwell Garden first opened its gates to the local community in 2010, but the story of how it came to be began seven years earlier in 2003, when the South Hams District Council (SHDC) which owns the plot announced plans to develop it into housing and a multi-storey car park.

“A small group of us got together. From day one we said, ‘we cannot let this happen, we can’t let this very last open space in the town centre be completely taken over for intensive housing” says Shirley Prendergast, one of the original members of the Leechwell Garden Association (LGA), who fought to reclaim the space for the community – and won.

The LGA argued for a full public consultation, and, after many months and many meetings, it was agreed that the space would be developed into a community garden. Architects were drafted in, and over the next 6 years plans for the garden were created and put into action.

While SHDC was able to cover the cost of basic landscaping of the garden, the LGA, fundraising in the local community and through grants, has, over the years raised the money to cover everything else, from the plants to the gates, the pergola and seating, garden shed, play structures and sculptures and play area equipment, at the sizeable cost of almost £200,000 over 14 years.

“It took a huge amount of work and money to get the garden fit for purpose,” says Dave Mitchell, Chairman of the Leechwell Garden Association. “The area was rocky, on a gradient and covered in brambles, weeds, and dead trees. It was hugely problematic, but bit by bit and with a heavy dose of community spirit we got the job done.”

By the time it opened to families in 2010, the garden was resplendent with new planting, public art, ponds, a watercourse and a play area, and a sand pit has also since been added. The LGA has been sharing the care of the Leechwell Garden ever since.

But in this, the 20th year since the garden was conceived, it is under threat again, and the LGA is imploring the local community for help.

“Put simply, we are running out of funds,” says Sue Holmes, one of the LGA’s original members. “It costs £2,000 per year for the gardener alone, and much more will be needed for the garden’s upkeep going forward.”

The LGA is planning a series of events across the year to fundraise, starting with a family Easter egg hunt on Easter weekend. It is hoped that £5,000 will be raised this year to ensure the garden will continue to be enjoyed by everyone in the community for the foreseeable future.

However, the garden needs more than just funds to survive and thrive for years to come.

“We are calling on the local community to get involved with the garden, not just by donating money but also time,” says Dave Mitchell. “The original LGA members have been fighting for 20 years to preserve this community haven, but we are getting tired and need new leadership and volunteers.”

“There are so many rewarding things to do in the garden,” says Sue Holmes. “We are keen to see future generations get involved and continue the legacy of this special place.”