Believing in the power of small actions to make a positive difference, we started to create a community garden in Northallerton Applegarth Park in February 2022. With people, wildlife and the planet in mind, we wanted to help create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food. With support from the Town Council, the Auction Mart, several generous donations and the hard work and imagination of our volunteers, a beautiful garden with flowers, seating and fresh produce available for anyone to harvest developed. It inspired other gardens around town, and has provided a much loved place to relax, meet friends or take a quiet breather.

Despite gloomy predictions of vandalism we had not had too much damage until this year. This summer two trees have been destroyed, crops pulled out, benches broken, defaced or removed, information boards and raised beds damaged and racist graffiti scrawled on artwork and benches.

Now, sadly, we are at the point where we cannot continue without some CCTV monitoring to try and prevent ongoing damage. Can you help us raise the funds to purchase a CCTV camera, which the Town Council will then be able to support, and repair or replace raised beds, fruit bushes and trees? We estimate this will be around £2,000.