Lyme's community garden will be abandoned unless more volunteers come forward to help manage it.
Volunteers are struggling to cope with the work involved in maintaining the garden in Langmoor Gardens and others in the community are being urged to step in to save it.
The kitchen garden bed was established in 2020 with the aim of sharing food, engaging with the community and encouraging children to be involved in growing and understanding nature.
After volunteers initially struggled to cultivate the garden to an appropriate standard, a local couple came forward in 2022 to turn around its fortunes.
Husband and wife Cheryl and Alan Reynolds have put their heart and soul into the garden over the past three years and it is now thriving, regularly producing produce which is delivered to the Lyme Regis Foodbank, the Talking Café and to the homes of vulnerable residents.
But deteriorating health means Cheryl and Alan are no longer able to manage the garden and are reluctantly giving up the job.
Although supported by three volunteers, they are unable to do the physical work involved but desperately want it to continue.
Cheryl said: “Alan and I have been running the community garden for several years. It has been a wonderful experience, we have been able to supply vegetables to the Foodbank, the elderly residents at our Talking Cafe and others who have requested help.
“It is with great sadness we have to step down from the physical work due to some new health problems. Old age doesn’t come alone!
“We are devastated. The garden is the loveliest, most peaceful place to be. Overlooking our beautiful and tranquil harbour and beach, there isn’t a better place.
“Talking to so many passersby, both local and visitors, and the pleasure of helping people with lovely fresh vegetables has been a joy.
“We are so sorry, but we are happy to grow seeds and sort plants if some new volunteers to do the digging, weeding and planting can be found.
“If there were enough volunteers who were prepared to give a couple of regular hours each week, we could keep this going. Please consider this. A small regular commitment could allow this to continue, please help.”
The town council’s external works’ team will continue to manage the garden until, hopefully, new volunteers are found.
If no one comes forward, the community garden will reluctantly be abandoned.
If you think you can help, please contact the council on 01297 445175, email enquiries@lymeregistowncouncil.uk or call into the council offices.