We are still waiting for the official agreement to be written up by the council. In the unlikely scenario that this isn't written up, this campaign will be closed and all pledges refunded. We aim to create a wildlife & well being garden, transforming an overgrown & unused green space into a social space with wildflowers, fruit trees, fruit bushes, a vegetable planter, and a seating area. The impact will be a catalyst for positive community change. A variety of plants and fruit & veg will improve air quality, biodiversity and provide food & enjoyment for the community! Children will learn about looking after wildlife, spotting and identifying insects, birds & plants. We will plant wildflowers, sensory bushes (like rosemary & lavender), and a flagstone path for easy access for prams and strollers to a picnic bench. We are liaising with our allocated Chester Zoo contacts and local Wildlife Champions to provide opportunities for children to enjoy identifying wildlife in the garden.

What we'll deliver:

• A low maintenance wildlife and wellbeing garden
• Plant a variety of edible plants, fruit trees and fruit bushes to enjoy
• Build a custom raised planter for vegetables
• Create a safe water feature like a bird bath and barrel ponds
• Lay down flagstones to create a pram and wheelchair friendly access
• Provide a bench for socialising, picnics and relaxation
• Install a bird box and bug hotel, hedgehog house and hedgehog webcam (linked to Chester Zoo)
• Create a "Bee Friendly Garden" with wildflowers
• Plant sensory bushes like rosemary, lavender bushes and herbs

Why it's a great idea:

General Environmental Benefits: • Increased local biodiversity • Attract pollinators to the area • Absorb carbon from the atmosphere • Improve air quality Community Benefits: • Increased sense of community • Improve the look of the area and pride • Produce nutritious food for the community • Provide outdoor space for local people and families who don't have their own Educational Benefits for Wider Community: • Share gardening skills and knowledge • Teach the community about food growing techniques that don't harm the environment • Offer volunteer opportunities • Provide fun education opportunities for children and schools

Steps to get it done:

• Hire of machinery to excavate, remove waste, returf
• Order required amount of organic top soil & manure
• Measure up, design and build vegetable planter
• Design & plant Wildflower & Pollinator areas
• Plant espalier apple trees and fruit bushes
• Lay flagstone path and flagged area around bench
• Make & install bird box, bug hotel and other features
• Install bench
• Installation of educational information sign (by Chester Zoo)

We are local people living in the local area, enthusiastic about the environment and healthy living, and want to see our community thrive. In 2019 we started Incredible Edible Handbridge to transform a neglected urban space at Industry (former Boy’s Club), Overleigh Road, from a derelict patch of bare earth, bricks and pigeon poo into edible oasis aka community allotment providing veg, salad and herbs to our community. We've learnt a lot since then, despite Lockdown interruptions, and are so excited about this next phase. We are very excited to be supported by our own Chester Zoo Community Engagement Officer. Also two of our Incredible Edible Handbridge team have attended the Wildlife Champions course at the Zoo. Please help us to create The Arches Wildlife & Wellbeing Community Garden for and together with our local community!