Hidden away among the green spaces between the housing estates of North Abingdon, the Dunmore Farm Community Garden is the sort of place that many residents may pass by without ever knowing it is there. Created and maintained by local volunteers, it has transformed a grassy area of land into a community garden.

In 2024, local residents began exploring the creation of a community garden on Town Council-owned land, working with organisations including Abingdon Carbon Cutters and Community Action Groups Oxfordshire. After a year of planning and consultation, the project received council approval, and work began in March 2025. It has also been supported by businesses.

Volunteers created raised beds, planted fruit trees, flowers, herbs, and vegetables, installed water butts and composting facilities, and added wildlife features such as a bug hotel. The community space produces food, supports biodiversity, and brings local people to learn together.

One of the garden’s most distinctive features is a sail-like tarpaulin designed to collect rainwater. Following yesterday evening’s thunderstorm and overnight rain, it helped replenish some of the stored water after a warm day and ahead of what forecasters say could be the hottest June day on record.