News / fire
Fire destroys community garden
Volunteers at a community garden have expressed their sadness after a fire broke out which was originally believed to have been started deliberately.
The fire destroyed a shelter and potting shed housing seeds and equipment at the New Roots Gardens in Speedwell.
The fire happened on Tuesday night
Firefighters were called in the early hours of Wednesday morning when people living nearby the blaze.
is needed now More than ever
The New Roots Garden is a large collective space in Speedwell, growing fruit and vegetables and keeping bees – a haven for many.
Originally established as a project to support asylum seekers in having connection to the soil, the New Roots Garden now hosts many groups on a regular basis including a choir, a men’s circle and local families.
The group had originally thought the fire to be an arson attack, with Harriet Sansom, a member of the New Roots organising group, saying she is “deeply saddened that people would do such damage to this well-loved community space”.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service have now confirmed that the fire was caused by “accidental ignition” and not arson.
A community gathering earlier in the year – photo: New Roots Community Garden
The group have launched a crowdfunder to raise money for materials to rebuild the shelter and potting shed.
The shelter was originally built in 2015 by asylum seekers and volunteers, with support from UWE and the Architecture Centre.
All photos: New Roots Garden
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