Below find testimonials from some of our members, sharing what the garden and community mean to them.
ABBY
“It’s difficult to put in to words all that the garden and our gorgeous community does for me. I distinctly remember the first time I came to Living Vital and the conversations Nick and I had as he introduced me to the garden. I immediately felt so at peace there. The warmth of Alex, Nick, and all of the community members meant that the garden quickly became a place that felt like home.
During my first few months with Living Vital, I found myself shedding a tear or two most sessions. This place and the people that gather there really showed me what it is to feel connected to the earth and to have a relationship with the natural world. Whilst I haven’t been able to make it to the garden recently, it continues to be a source of love in my life. I’ve had some of the most soul enriching conversations over a cuppa at the garden. We always have such a laugh and I’ve made beautiful friendships there. Living Vital brings together some incredibly playful, joyous, caring, and loving people. It is truly such a joy to be a part of this community.”
What I like about Living Vital is that everyone seems interested in the connection between earth, elements, food production, health, art, spirituality and sustainable futures. It is a sanctuary that is diligently safeguarded and I feel very grateful for that. Even on the weeks I can’t visit, I’m happy to know it is there.”
SAILESH
“The garden has brought me close to nature and peace of mind, being a foreigner I have always been welcomed with open hearts. Alex and Nick have always made me feel a part of the family and also they have also been helping me with my hospital appointment. So I feel the garden has given me a family who is always here to help me and they are more than blood related family.”
CLARE
“I came to Living Vital looking for something simple- more structure to my time and an outdoor activity. What I found is something far more rich and complex. The words that come to mind are warmth, kindness, connection, respect, humour, knowledge, growth , exploration. The plants are grown with knowledge and care, the wild life that share the space are encouraged and respected and a warm welcome is extended to all who come. Living Vital fosters connection with nature, with the cycles that grow our food, with ourselves and with one another. The message is “come as you are” ” do what is right for you”. Alex and Nick and all who have joined them in this endeavour have created something deeply wholesome- a truly nourishing environment. I am glad I found you!”
MELI
“Living vital is the most magical place. The first time I came I was overwhelmed by kindness, knowledge and community. I’ve always wanted to learn more about gardening and be more connected to nature. The team at Living Vital went above and beyond to welcome me to their community. Being out in nature and around a community who share the same curiosity has built up my confidence and awareness around the cycle of the seasons and growing patterns, as well as helped me stay (quite literally) grounded in a crazy world with lots of pressures.”
KATHERINE
“I started going to the volunteer days at Common Ground / Living Vital in lockdown and just immediately loved it. Alex and Nick have made such an incredible space where you instantly feel welcomed and it’s the ideal place to go if you don’t have an outdoor space of your own, or you just want to spend a whole chunk of the day surrounded by nature – either to be active or to unwind, or a bit of both – there’s always a choice of jobs to do depending on the level of physicality you’re up for on the day.
Their work with refugee and migrant communities is so needed & valuable, it’s the perfect friendly haven to connect people through food, nature & stories, and a no-pressure space to find support and community.
I will never get bored of seeing how the garden changes throughout the year and it’s always so satisfying harvesting what you helped sow months ago. I’ve also just learned so much about gardening, grown (and eaten) plants and veg I didn’t even know existed, and learning bits of woodworking has been such a highlight too! You literally can’t help but leave every session feeling content, full & hopeful, basically!”