The garden is the work of Project Unitea – a partnership initiative between Devon Wildlife Trust, Pickwell Foundation and Barnstaple Town Council. The project has been made possible thanks to £18,000 support from the National Lottery Community Fund through its Awards for All (England).
The Unitea garden was opened on Tuesday 16th June as part of Refugee Week - ‘the world’s largest arts and cultural festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary’.
Project Unitea is bringing people together through a shared love of nature, conversation and connection. The project centres around a small community tea garden, using space donated by Barnstaple Town Council close to the town’s clock tower and museum.
Project Unitea involves people supported by the Pickwell Foundation, as they settle into the area, offering them the opportunity to take part in practical outdoor activities, improve their wellbeing, and build confidence in using English through informal learning.
Participants have worked with Devon Wildlife Trust Wilder Communities Lead Katie Wilkinson, along with Barnstaple Town Council Estates Apprentice Matt Simmons, to co-design and construct the tea garden. It has used plants – including chamomile, lemon balm and rosemary - which can be harvested and blended into tea.
The garden has been developed following nature-friendly principles. Its plants have been carefully selected to attract pollinating insects, while the beds have used peat-free compost, and avoided the application of herbicides and pesticides.
A Unitea participant with lived experience of resettlement, said:
“It was a unique and enjoyable project. Even though it was short and small, it was incredibly fun especially for growing herbs. This is a new project, and I hope it will be well received and welcomed by others.”
Nicola Jenner, Communications and Events Manager, Pickwell Foundation said:
“Project Unitea demonstrates the powerful role that nature can play in bringing people together. Through simple, shared activities such as planting, harvesting, and making tea, participants can build relationships, practise language skills, and support their wellbeing.
The project also plays an important role in broadening awareness and promoting community cohesion, helping people to learn from one another and build a stronger, more inclusive local community.”
Barnstaple Town Council Estates Manager, Wayne Palmer said:
“Barnstaple Town Councill are pleased to be involved in the Unitea project and to continue working in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust and Pickwell Foundation. Initiatives like this play an important role in supporting the Town Council’s ambition for cleaner and greener spaces.
We encourage residents to make use of this resource responsibly, ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed by others”.
Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Loki Dawson said:
“Project ‘Unitea’ is a valuable addition to Barnstaple, providing a shared community resource. The tea garden offers something simple, an opportunity for people to utilise nature and enjoy a cup of tea.
Launching during Refugee Week, this project highlights the importance of community and inclusive, shared spaces.”
Katie Wilkinson, Devon Wildlife Trust said:
‘’This pilot project has been a wonderful collaboration between three organisations who are working for people and nature in Barnstaple. It’s been a real joy to work with volunteers from Pickwell Foundation to build this little tea garden. We’ve had so much support from the community of Barnstaple too and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people into the space with some creative events.
We want the tea garden to act as a catalyst to bring people together over a freshly foraged cuppa tea. Sharing tea, sharing experiences and building stronger connections with one another.’’