Sponsored walk raises £850 for Poppy Community Garden

The walk, organised by Rooting for Andover to support the Poppy Community Garden in Augusta Park, took place in the countryside of north Andover and involved 11 volunteers.

It raised around £850 towards the cost of connecting the garden to a reliable water source.

Rooting for Andover sponsored walkers. (Image: Rooting for Andover)

Maureen Treadwell, treasurer and trustee for Rooting for Andover, said: "The Poppy Community Garden is a real community asset, and we want to make sure it can continue to flourish for years to come.

"Our volunteers put a huge amount of time and care into maintaining the garden, and watering is a large part of this.

"We are very grateful to everyone who has supported our fundraising so far, and every donation brings us a little closer to making this possible."

The garden, which features a polytunnel and space for growing fruit and vegetables, currently relies on water captured on-site or via a long hose connected to the nearby community centre.

This process can take hours due to low water pressure and long hose distances.

A permanent supply is being explored by Southern Water and Test Valley Borough Council, but the project is expected to be costly.