Talking green spaces, community, and well-being from Wexford
We’re thrilled to share that Michael Devereux, from Enniscorthy Community Allotments, was recently featured on RTÉ Radio 1 during The Oliver Callan Show.
In a warm and insightful conversation with Anna, Michael spoke about our “green-leafed sanctuary” in Wexford — a vibrant, diverse, and ever-growing hub of community gardening, sustainability, and wellness.
👉 Click here to listen to the clip
What makes Enniscorthy Community Allotments so special?
🌱 Growing your own — more than a hobby
Michael beautifully described allotments as little havens of nature where people connect with the earth, their food, and each other. Whether it’s harvesting homegrown cabbage, kale, or lavender, or simply popping outside to grab a few fresh scallions for dinner, the pride and joy in growing your own food is unmatched.
“You can’t beat the feeling of putting something on the table you’ve grown with your own hands.”
🏡 Our thriving community space
At Enniscorthy Community Allotments we’ve got:
-
65 ground plots
-
27 raised beds
-
60 spots in our commercial polytunnel
All fully booked — and brimming with life!
But it’s not just about gardening. We’re a community outdoor centre, running events, wellness workshops, and group activities in a space designed to nourish the mind and soul, not just the soil.
🌍 Inclusivity, diversity & shared learning
One of the most powerful parts of the interview was when Michael shared how ECA is proudly home to:
-
19 international families
-
16 local community groups
Together, we’ve created a vibrant and inclusive space where we learn from each other’s cultures, share growing knowledge, and build connections across generations.
“It’s not just about growing veg — it’s about growing community.”
📅 Events & initiatives mentioned
🧘 Workshops & courses
Thanks to support from WWETB and the REACH grant, we’ve hosted an incredible range of workshops:
-
Introduction to Horticulture
-
Mindfulness in the Garden
- Willow Weaving
Each one is designed to reconnect people with nature, boost mental well-being, and offer valuable lifelong skills.
🎨 Culture Night – September 19th
Join us as we celebrate Culture Night, a national event hosted right here in our allotments. It’s a great opportunity to meet growers, explore the site, and experience the diverse backgrounds of our members.
🌼 Little Buds & Catch Up Monday
We’re passionate about community-led wellness:
-
Little Buds Group encourages families and young children to connect with growing from an early age.
-
Catch Up Monday supports mental health through relaxed meetups over tea and chats every other week.
🍠 What we grow
From British Queens potatoes to nasturtiums, borage, cosmos, and lavender – our plots are filled with food, flowers, and pollinator-friendly plants. Some members grow purely for beauty and biodiversity, creating colour-rich spaces that nourish more than the stomach.
🌿 Mental health & nature’s healing power
Michael wrapped the chat with a powerful reminder: gardening is therapy. The simple act of sowing a seed, digging into the soil, or sharing a harvest can do wonders for mental health. It’s about slowing down, connecting to nature, and building something meaningful together.
🎧 Listen to the full interview
🎙️ Listen now: Michael Devereux on RTÉ Radio 1