- Feel Good
- 14th May 2025
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- 0 minute
Community gardens to visit in the North East
Up here in the North East, our cities are getting greener by the day – and not just from potted plants on windowsills. Community gardening projects across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and beyond are taking over empty plots, unloved alleys and even rooftops, turning them into blooming hubs of connection, creativity and carrots.
And let’s be real – who doesn’t want to swap a trip to the supermarket for a freshly picked tomato grown just around the corner? Whether you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and get involved or just fancy a wander somewhere a little wilder, here are some of the most exciting community gardening projects growing across the region.
Ouseburn Farm
Ouseburn Farm, Ouseburn Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2PA
This working farm in the heart of the city is more than a cute day out (although yes, the pigs are adorable). Ouseburn Farm is a vibrant community space where you can learn about growing food sustainability, volunteer in the gardens, or just enjoy the leafy vibes over a coffee. Their community garden is open to everyone – and you don’t need to know your onions to get involved.
The Comfrey Project
Windmill Hills Centre, Chester Pl, Gateshead NE8 1QB
What started as a gardening project for refugees and asylum seekers has flourished into a multicultural community garden with workshops, cooking classes, and art sessions. The vibe? Warm, welcoming and full of purpose. Everyone is invited to pitch in – whether you want to help grow veg, build wildfire habitats, or share stories over tea and homegrown mint.
Scotswood Garden
Yewcroft Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6TU
This eco-haven offers organic gardening, permaculture magic and some of the best nature play sessions for kids in the region. Scotswood’s community garden is bursting with wildflowers, edible goodies, and resident bees. With eco-volunteering, youth programmes and weekly drop-ins, it’s the perfect place to nurture your inner Attenborough.
Back on the Map
Hendon Community Library, 67 Toward Road, Hendon, Sunderland SR2 8JG
This local hero of a project is reclaiming unloved spaces and turning them into tidy, flower-filled havens. From back lane planters to neighbourhood veggie patches, Back on the Map is all about giving residents tools (literally) to take pride in where they live. Think street gardening, community clean-ups, and feel-good energy by the bucketload.
Incredible Edible
Various locations across the region
Part of the nationwide Incredible Edible network, this movement is turning public spaces into food-growing plots – and inviting the community to pick what they need. From planters outside libraries to herbs in car parks, they’re proving you don’t need loads of space to make a difference. Keep your eyes peeled – and your pockets ready for a spare packet of seeds.
Millenium Green
17 Newgate St, Morpeth NE61 1AW
Once a derelict wasteland, this central Morpeth spot has blossomed into a lush community garden. Thanks to local residents and support from various trusts and Morpeth Town Council, it’s now a serene green space featuring a stunning mosaic created with local schoolchildren. Friends of the Green is the name of the volunteering who maintain the garden, and if you want to get involved, details are below.
Lovaine Community Garden
Junction of Lovaine Place and Cecil St, North Shields, NE29 0DH
Just a two-minute stroll from North Shields Metro station, Lovaine Community Garden is a hidden gem that transforms a former WWII bomb site into a vibrant urban oasis. Established in 2010 by local residents, this organic growing space offers more than just greenery – it’s a hub for community connection and creativity. From coffee mornings and gardening clubs to live music nights and art therapy sessions, there’s always something happening to engage both the green-fingered and the culturally curious.
Urban gardening isn’t just about plants – it’s about people. Every garden listed here offers something different, but they all share one thing: they need you! Whether you fancy planting spuds, painting murals, or just showing up with a smile, your energy could be what helps these green spaces thrive.
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