The Comfrey Project is hidden gem nestled in the heart of Bensham. Step through the main building and experience a beautiful community garden where you can meander through the fruit and vegetable patches to find a pond, fire pit, beehives and plenty of places to sit and appreciate nature. The site is home to 90 different varieties of bees with the hives tended to by North East Young Lads and Dads.

This garden provides a place for the community to meet and take part in many activities to improve their heath and wellbeing.

Following a warm welcome and tour of the garden, we were tasked with weeding the raspberry patches. Armed with our weed cheat sheet and tools we quickly got to work. Debbie leading the way with a rousing shout:

"If your names not down you’re not coming out!"

The piles of weeds and grass soon began to grow and the garden quickly filled with more members of the community. Louise, Dan and Eleanor found Gooseberries among their Raspberries.

Over a quick coffee break Louise shared the memories of the Two Ronnie Phantom Raspberry Blower sketch as she admitted to an accidentally removing a raspberry bush! Thankfully spotted by the an eagle eyed Comfrey project volunteer and re-planted.

Once the raspberry patches were complete we moved onto a flower bed and conversations about what we do to protect our mental health at work. We all agreed we needed a garden like this in walking distance of the office!

The morning soon disappeared but the day wasn’t over in the garden. While we were weeding the kitchen had been a hive of activity preparing lunch for all the volunteers. Regrettably only Kristi and Anthony were able to stay and join the meal. We’ll know better next time!