Encamp Parish Council Hands Over 42 Social Garden Plots to Elderly Residents for 20th Year

Encamp parish council delivered keys to 42 social garden plots requested this year by elderly residents, celebrating the 20th edition of the project run by its Social Affairs and Elderly department in collaboration with Reig Foundation.

The draw and handover took place today at Parc de l’Ossa, attended by senior councillor Laura Mas, junior councillor Xavier Fernàndez, Social Affairs and Elderly councillor Sílvia Ramond, Hygiene, Environment and Agriculture councillor Andreu Riba, and Reig Foundation representative Maria Creu.

Ramond emphasised the initiative’s two decades of success, describing it as more than access to plots but “a space of solidarity, community and mutual aid.” Reig Foundation representatives thanked the council for the ongoing partnership and underscored the gardens’ value in participants’ daily lives.

The plots, in the Terres Primeres area, serve retired Encamp residents without paid employment who want healthy, nature-connected pursuits. Each 50-square-metre plot supports year-round vegetable growing, blending moderate exercise, nutritious eating and social interaction.

For the second year running, an intergenerational plot pairs elderly gardeners with around 30 youths from the Youth Space and Youth Area. Edgar Rodríguez, monitor at the Youth Information Point, said seniors share expertise on planting times, watering and harvesting, while young people assist with heavier tasks such as carrying sacks and turning soil.

Launched in 2006 with 17 plots on land provided by Casa Joan Antoni, the programme has expanded to 43 plots across two locations. It has become one of the parish’s most appreciated social efforts, advancing active ageing through low-intensity outdoor work that enhances cognitive and sensory wellbeing, fosters social ties, builds community belonging and improves quality of life with healthy habits.