A Ferryhill community garden project has been recognised for its work bringing people, gardening and the natural environment together, receiving a Level 3 ‘Advancing’ award in the 2026 Northumbria in Bloom awards.
The Humble Garden CIC, based at the East End allotments in Ferryhill, has been awarded Level 3 – Advancing through the Northumbria in Bloom programme.
For a project that began with an overgrown community plot and a big idea, the award marks an exciting milestone in The Humble Garden’s journey.
Over the past year, the Ferryhill garden has developed into a space where people can come together to grow vegetables, learn new skills, spend time outdoors and simply enjoy being part of something.
The project has welcomed a variety of groups, including families, home-educated children, adults with additional needs, women’s gardening sessions and volunteers. Activities have ranged from growing and planting to crafts, seed saving, wellbeing sessions and seasonal events.
The garden’s development has also focused on creating a space that benefits wildlife and the wider environment, with planting, growing areas and plans continuing to evolve across the allotment.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have been awarded Level 3,” said Lucille Bowling, director of The Humble Garden CIC. “The garden has come such a long way, and this award feels like recognition not just for the plants and the work we’ve put into the plot, but for everyone who has stepped through the gate, got their hands dirty and helped make it what it is.”
The Level 3 award also provides encouragement for the next stage of the garden’s development. There are ambitions to continue improving the site, expand activities and create even more opportunities for local people to get involved.
From an overgrown allotment to a growing community hub, The Humble Garden CIC’s Level 3 award is another little milestone in the story of what can happen when a patch of ground is given a purpose.
The Humble Garden CIC would like to thank everyone who has supported the garden, volunteered, attended a session, donated, funded an activity or simply opened the gate and come in. This award belongs to everyone who has helped the garden grow.