The idea
The volunteer Gardeners that are part of Town Team lovingly nurture and maintain 6 sites in and around Broadstairs.
To compliment the other areas in and around our town that the volunteers already maintain, they’ve identified a high profile and high footfall open space which is neglected, that can be reclaimed, replanted and so provide a much-needed haven for wildlife.
It was once a beautiful green area on a popular path down to Louisa Bay, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Pressures on local authority budgets have meant sadly that gardens and wildlife-friendly spaces take a back seat for maintenance priority and funding now.
The plan for trees, hedging, flowering shrubs and wildlife-friendly attractions : bee hotels, bird nest boxes & baths, hedgehog houses, wilderness area and wildflowers has been designed by one of the members, a retired horticulturalist & naturalist.
They are looking for help and support from new volunteers for the project and donation towards plants
What we'll deliver
- Plant at least 30 mature shrubs
- Install wildlife-friendly plants and houses for insects and animals
- Re-create a once lovely local attraction
- Provide an opportunity for local people to engage with nature and work positively together
- Include native wildflowers in the newly restored beds
- Create an opportunity for local specialist gardens experts to restore the retaining walls
- Increase footfall to this beach and the seafront business there
- Demonstrate the power of community and volunteers to help transform our town
Why it's a great idea
A brand new wildlife habitat.
Increase footfall to this wonderful bay.
A new volunteer team working together to amplify the sense of well-being and achievement gained from working together outdoors on community projects.
Restoration of a once admired but latterly neglected set of flower beds.
An opportunity to learn more about plants and wildlife through signs detailing the plants and habitat for wildlife on site.
A demonstration of the power of volunteering and community groups to transform even small spaces for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.
Small but key contracts for local specialist tradesmen and garden specialists to work in collaboration with a community group where funds allow.
Steps to get it done
- Digging and clearing the bed
- Adding nutrients and compost to improve the soil & protect plant growth
- Work on hard standing to secure and restore edges and rocks surrounding beds
- Initial planting of core Shubs
- Additional planting and sowing of wildflower seeds
- Installation of elements to encourage wildlife
- Manufacture and installation of Notice boards detailing planting and wildlife expected
The new Louisa Bay Access Road bed project is just one of 7 sites in and around Broadstairs maintained and loved by our volunteer garden enthusiasts who donate their time to Town Team projects.
Many other local community groups have offered their help and support, along with local businesses and more importantly individuals who just want to make a small difference.
Working with 6 local groups who love the idea means we can make a huge difference with very little funding, buckets of enthusiasm, plant knowledge and just a few hours of time donated.
No professional experts, just a love of gardens, plants, working in a group, outdoor spaces and with Broadstairs' future uppermost in their minds they know they can make a difference.
Even small amount of plant donations, donations of money for plants and compost all will make the project happen and more importantly be maintained and sustained by the people who take ownership and responsibility for maintenance very much to heart
