Isle of Man property developer Hartford Homes has given a local health service facility a major lift by donating tonnes and tonnes of top soil for its therapeutic garden project.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s ‘Next Step’ team, which manages the scheme at Brunswick Gardens in Douglas, will use the donated soil to improve its vegetable beds.

Next Step’s manager Cliona Grace said “We run the project on a very limited budget so to have soil donated is an enormous boost and will enable the service users to be involved in the growing process from start to finish.”

Cliona explained that Next Step and Brunswick Gardens cater to a wide range of mental health service users, adding “Our service is focused on enabling individuals to work towards achieving their own goals through engaging in meaningful occupation. Brunswick Gardens offers activities ranging from woodwork to gardening and individuals can participate at their own level.”

Hartford Homes has donated around 20 tonnes of soil sourced from its Cronk Cullyn development site in Colby, with some already being put to use in the gardens which adjoin Albany Road.

Hartford Homes director James Greenhalgh said “The Brunswick Gardens really are a hidden gem and it’s humbling that something as simple as a load of soil can have a major impact on such a good cause. I’m personally looking forward to seeing how the project develops and above all enjoying some of the vegetables grown in the gardens! We are delighted to have been able to help out.”

Photo - Hartford Homes’ Cronk Cullyn site manager Keith Featherstone handed over the first load of soil to Next Step manager Cliona Grace.