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Colchester, Essex

Growing community from the ground up

New Town Regenerative is a community interest company dedicated to bringing people together through shared green spaces — growing food, restoring habitat, and building connections that last.

11
Garden Zones
4
Directors
Community Welcome
2025
Founded

"This garden has been here for years — waiting for a community to grow with it."

— New Town Regenerative

Rooted in community,
growing together

We're a newly formed Community Interest Company based in Colchester, built around a shared belief: that green spaces belong to everyone, and that looking after them together makes us all stronger.

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Regeneration
We restore and care for green spaces that might otherwise be lost — for people, wildlife, and future generations.
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Inclusion
Our garden is for everyone — all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. There's a role here for every person who wants to be part of something.
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Stewardship
We protect what's here — the trees, the wildlife, the habitats — guided by knowledge, care, and respect for the land.
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Transparency
As a CIC, everything we do is for the community. Open governance, shared decisions, and accountable leadership.

A fresh start for a well-loved space

The garden at the heart of New Town Regenerative has been quietly tended for years — through good times and quiet ones. We're building the structure around it that lets more people get involved, more sustainably, and more safely than ever before.

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Registered as a Community Interest Company Limited by Guarantee. All assets and income locked for community benefit.

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Based in Colchester, Essex. Serving the New Town neighbourhood and wider community.

What happens in the garden

From growing food to building friendships, from protecting wildlife to teaching children — our garden is a place where many things happen at once.

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Community Growing

Raised beds, soft fruits, and an orchard producing real food for real people — including supply to a local community café.

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Children & Families

Dedicated children's groups, a childminder bed, and family-friendly harvest days. The garden grows the next generation of nature lovers.

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Wildflower & Habitat

A managed wildflower meadow, a wildlife pond, and native woodland — all protected and carefully stewarded for biodiversity.

Inclusive Volunteering

Working with Essex Care and other community groups to create meaningful, safe volunteer experiences for people of all abilities.

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Education

Four dedicated educational beds showcasing different growing methods — a living classroom open to schools, groups, and curious minds.

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Tree & Land Stewardship

Mature trees, fruit trees, and orchard managed with expert knowledge — protecting species, habitats, and the character of the land.

Resources for volunteers & groups

We've built digital tools to help volunteers, group leaders, and external organisations work safely and confidently in the garden.

Join us in the garden

No experience needed. No minimum commitment. Just bring yourself, and we'll find the right role for you.

1

Register your interest

Fill in our short online form — takes two minutes. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you'd like to do.

2

Read the Welcome Pack

Our Volunteer Welcome Pack covers everything — guidelines, safeguarding, health & safety, and what to expect.

3

Attend an induction session

A friendly tour of the site, introduction to the team, and a safety briefing. No pressure, no commitment yet.

4

Start growing with us

You'll be paired with an experienced volunteer for your first few sessions. Come when you can — we're glad you're here.

Come and grow with us

We meet regularly throughout the month. All sessions are welcoming, low-pressure, and open to everyone.

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Monthly Meet-Up
First Sunday of each month · 1pm onwards
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Thursday Drop-In
Every other Thursday · Morning sessions
Register as a Volunteer →

The people behind the garden

New Town Regenerative is led by a small, committed board — and supported by a wonderful team of committee members, volunteers, and advisers.

DL
Dave Lucas
Co-Chair
Strategic leadership & garden advice
JL
Julian Le Cornu
Co-Chair
Strategic leadership & operations
LK
Lesa Koorsse
Secretary
Governance, records & communications
AH
Angela Hill
Treasurer & Safeguarding Lead
Finance & safeguarding
C
Colin
Honorary Land Steward
Horticulture, ecology & site knowledge
K
Khatereh
Coordinator
Children's groups & community engagement
N
Nisha
Children's Group Lead
Leading children's garden activities
C
Christine
Committee Member
Community involvement & support

Say hello

Whether you want to volunteer, bring a group, partner with us, or just find out more — we'd love to hear from you.

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General Enquiries
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Garden Advice
ntgarden.advice@gmail.com
Contact Dave (Co-Chair)
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Group Partnerships
Interested in bringing your group to the garden? Email us to discuss zone access, insurance requirements, and scheduling.
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding Lead: Angela Hill
newtownregenerative@gmail.com
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Sessions
Monthly Meet-Up: 1st Sunday, 1pm+
Thursday Drop-In: Every other Thursday AM

Send us a message

We'll get back to you within a few days.