Newcastle's Crown Inn Community Garden

The environment

As with our original forecast, our space has created an eco-friendly garden that supports sustainability and biodiversity. We have incorporated sensory planting with native species to attract pollinators, enhancing local ecosystems. Swift, other bird boxes and hedgehog wildlife boxes provide safe habitats, promoting species diversity. A water butt will collect rainwater, reducing mains water useage; solar lighting will minimise energy consumption. Bicycle racks and electric bike chargers promote sustainable transport, reducing vehicle emissions. Eco-friendly gravel for the new patio improves water run-off. Our green space will improve local mental health: an outside area for socialising with friends & visitors. By transforming an underused area into an accessible green space, we’ll contribute to a healthier environment, aligning with the Shropshire Green Spaces & Active Travel Fund’s goals for sustainability and community wellbeing.

The local economy

Our project was finally completed December 9th. And despite the delay, our forecast for the project's impact on the local community remains the same. It will boost the local economy by transformation of the pub’s garden into a vibrant, multi-use space supporting community and commercial growth. Outdoor tables expand the community-owned pub restaurant, increasing food/drink sales. By sourcing local produce, contractors and crafts people, we’ll support farmers, suppliers, artisans, strengthening the local food & culture network. Walkers from local Shropshire trails, cyclists, and tourists, will spend in the pub and nearby businesses. Safe parking ensures accessibility for elderly visitors and families, while bike racks cater to active travellers. Increased footfall will benefit local accommodation providers and demand for our pub’s 5 bedrooms, driving growth in the hospitality sector. The space will also create volunteer opportunities, build new employable skills, foster community events, and enhance the pub’s role as a local economic hub, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Volunteering, jobs & education

Our project increased volunteering and jobs throughout the creation of the pub’s outdoor space. The project involved local contractors in transforming the patio, parking, and involved volunteers in planting, installing wildlife boxes, and maintaining eco-friendly features, promoting gardening & environmental education for locals. The project created local job opportunities for builders, local craftspeople. By providing project work and hands-on experience, we empowered volunteers and local businesses to help develop a vibrant, inclusive space that provides a space to rest, enjoy a refreshment, and learn about our local area with tourist brochures provided in the pub. As the project was completed in early December, we continue to forecast that the usage of the space post project delivery will provide: part-time jobs for locals working in the pub garden in the seasonal period; learning opportunities about the local area, its history, heritage and culture; ongoing volunteering in the garden area across the seasons; and future garden features contracted to local companies, artisans and craftspeople.

Arts, culture & heritage

As in our project forecast, we have supported areas of arts, culture, and heritage by revitalising the pub’s outdoor area and bringing into focus local skills and cultural heritage. A gazebo was built by a local woodworker. Our pub is located in a National Landscape with tremendous visible history from the iron age onwards. Cultural events across music, art and sport will benefit from the outdoor garden area, but due to our late delivery, we have not yet held these. The site is easily accessible to walkers who want a break; visitors and the community now have the opportunity to read local tourist and 'what's on' brochures from the pub, while relaxing in the garden area for a drink or bite to eat, or simply a rest. Pub events such as musical gigs, can take place in our beautiful outdoor space, providing a healthy space to listen to local music, further supporting our local culture.

Activity, health and leisure

As in our forecast, our project promotes activity and leisure by transforming the pub’s grounds into an inclusive, accessible garden designed for community engagement & outdoor enjoyment. The garden offers a welcoming space for walkers from Offa’s Dyke, cyclists using nearby routes, and local residents to rest, refresh, and socialise. An 8-bike bicycle rack and a 3 bike electric bike charger encourages active travel, while safe parking improves access for all, including the elderly and a disabled parking space. Sensory planting and wildlife features create an environment that promotes outdoor exploration and mindfulness. Having said this, in the Spring when the weather is better, the garden area will be enhanced with many more flowers and plants as volunteers and the garden club have been propogating plants and donating. Large garden toys for children & adults alike will be added in the Spring to encourage playful, physical activity, making the space fun & engaging for all ages. The garden’s seating areas supports leisure activities, from casual meet-ups to community events. Tourist information is available inside the pub for local cultural events and hikes. This vibrant green space will inspire outdoor activity, wellbeing, and community connections.