Last month was the driest July since 1935 and the hot weather is forecast to continue. Many of us will be concerned about our parched gardens and allotments. While there are declarations of drought in other parts of Sussex, this isn’t the case for Brighton and Hove yet (although we are still conserving water).
At Martlets, we have an allotment project called Earthworks. The group is open to any men who have experienced a bereavement. They can join the group if they have had support from Martlets, or if they haven't too.
The dry weather might have affected our project too. But the good news is – our allotment is still thriving.
Photos by Jane Newman, Martlets’ allotment coordinator
Our allotment helps bereaved men
Martlets’ counsellor Katie Dennis who runs Earthworks said:
“The current Earthworks group will have its final session on Wednesday 17 August. We will be harvesting potatoes, beans and lettuce, and collecting flowers for hand-tied bouquets, along with reflecting on our time together. We have experienced some beautiful weather and done a lot of watering!”
Looking forward
“A new group will be starting on Wednesday 28 September, and is open to all bereaved men in the Brighton area. You do not need any gardening skills or knowledge. The allotment is a wonderful space for healing and growth and we are very proud to be part of the Weald Allotments.”
Earthworks is free for any man who has lost a loved one in Brighton and Hove and the Havens.
In this blog, How Earthworks helped me heal, Rick, an Earthworks participant, explains how the group provided support after the death of his wife Penny. If you know someone who might benefit from joining Earthworks, contact katie.dennis@martlets.org.uk
Take care in the heat. And if you’re attending to a withering garden or allotment conserve your water usage if you can.
Find out more
- Learn about Earthworks in our blog
- Support Martlets with a donation
- Find out more about the counselling and bereavement support we offer