AS SUMMER turns to autumn, there’s less to plant but much to pick at the Boaz Project in Sutton Scotney.

It’s time to harvest the tomatoes, runner beans, and corn. Lift the onions, leeks and potatoes.

The charity, based at Hill Farm, uses horticultural therapy to help adults with learning disabilities. “I feel I am doing my job if our members come back from a session with smiles on their faces,” says Andy Brooks, head of horticulture. “The emphasis is on fun as well as working and learning at the same time. Being outside is a chance to forget the stresses and strains of their everyday lives.”

Growing food and flowers give a sense of achievement and boosts physical fitness, he adds.

READ MORE: Boaz Project improves its facilities with £7,750 boost

Some of the harvest this year (Image: Eric Blake)

Today a working party of members and volunteers is clearing beds and digging in compost. Raised beds are being replaced to grow high quality strawberries, carrots and parsnips – crops difficult to grow in the chalky soil. Fresh produce grown in the allotment garden is served up daily as nutritious lunches.

Currently about 40 adults with learning disabilities attend Boaz on different days of the week, up from 30 last year. As the demand for places grows, the charity has issued an appeal for new volunteers from all backgrounds who can spare some time. Training and support are provided, so no prior experience of working with vulnerable adults is required. The call for volunteers isn’t limited to supporting members working in the allotment garden. Other activities include craft, cookery, woodwork and tending animals, including a free-range flock of egg-laying chickens.

Manager Stuart Palmer says: “New volunteers are always welcome. We would especially value help on Monday mornings or Thursday and Friday afternoons. If people are busy during the week, please come and help at events, like our family fun day and trail run on Saturday September 28.”

SEE ALSO: The Boaz Project to host annual Family Fun and Run Day

Many volunteers look to apply their existing skills in new ways or gain valuable experience. Common threads are a sense of belonging to a community and fulfilment in helping others.

“One of the key things Boaz offers is a chance to connect with nature in a gentle way by working on the land, seeing crops grow and looking after our animals whether that’s feeding the chickens or walking our donkeys. We all like to feel wanted and needed,” says Stuart.

For more information see boazproject.co.uk.