The hunt is on to find a green space in the Calne area where a community garden could be set up, selling local produce.

The project is the idea of the Calne Environmental Network, which was set up to reduce the carbon footprint of Calne. Recently members organised the Green Calne Day and in October they plan to hold a plastic bag amnesty.

Now the group hopes to gain a piece of land, between one to three acres, within a few miles of Calne through a donation or a long lease.

The network was inspired to start a community garden after looking at two gardening projects in Swindon, the Twigs project, based at the Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, and The Secret Garden, based at Queen’s Park.

Peter Knight, chairman of the network, said he hoped to create something similiar to the Twigs garden, which helps people to cope with mental health issues through crafts and gardening, as well as children with special needs. He hopes the Calne garden will also involve schools, youth groups and young offenders.

He said: “It has been well proven that environmental projects help with self-esteem and confidence issues.”

If the group’s bid for land is successful they will form a steering committee of trust-ees to manage the project, including town council and area board representatives. The group already has several ideas for the garden and hopes to set up a community orchard, allotments, raised beds for wheelchair users, and a sensory garden, as well as a picnic area, a nature trail and bee hives.