TUCKED away in a serene corner of Colchester is Jo Wheatley’s little gem – and she’s delighted to share it.

The Big Garden occupies a former agricultural field in High Woods Country Park.

Established eight years ago, it has blossomed into a thriving community space used by people of all ages and who, like Jo, are reaping the benefits, each for their own reasons.

In the past 12 months, about 2,000 people have attended the project, hosted by Colchester Council.

Jo has been its community gardener for the past four years.

She said: “It started because there was someone working here who was interested in growing food and working with others and she got the funding.”

The lottery funding meant the project could start and, over time, the field, with panoramic views of the town centre, was transformed.

Part of the garden is planted as an orchard with a large vegetable garden at the centre.

A “shelterbelt” planted on two sides of the garden is bordered by an area being developed for wildlife, with a pond, stag beetle and mini beast habitats and beehives.

But how does the project work?

Jo said: “The garden is open to the public to find out about the vegetables growing and we have people who are volunteers.

“Any resident can apply to be a volunteer and can come along as often as theywant when it is open.

“Theymay or may not have gardening experience.”

Another plus is food produced from the crops is shared out among the volunteers.

This time of year food is being grown in the polytunnels and leaves are being gathered for leaf mould, and trees are being coppiced to weave hazel fencing.

The garden also offers a therapeutic service for adults with learning disabilities, and mental health and support needs.

Typically, the adults will have been referred by a health professional and can attend weekly placements over about three months, where they work alongside the garden’s volunteers.

Other groups of people who attend may be school pupils with special educational needs.

Jo said: “Gardening can give people a sense of calm, a sense of purpose and can take their minds off issues.

“There are a number of projects around the world where people are finding they have been quite divorced from nature.”

The project has proved so rewarding for some who have been referred to it, they have gone on to be volunteers.

In fact, the number of volunteers has increased four-fold since 2013.

Funding for the project, provided by North Essex Public Health increased from £13,000 a year to £22,000.

This enabled the project to employ a second gardener and increase the opening times, and more volunteers were sought.

More green-fingered fans are still welcome to pay a visit. Jo said: “It is incredible and such a unique project.”

Opening times for the Big Garden are 10am to 1pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and alternate Saturdays.

For more information visit www.colchester.gov.uk/biggarden email biggarden@colchester.gov.uk or call 01206 855287.