The Arches Wildlife & Wellbeing Garden

The environment

The project transformed a neglected piece of wasteland into a community garden with insect-friendly plants, bulbs, herbs, fruit bushes and fruit trees planted, improving the look of the area. Many residents commented how much better the area looked as they passed by, so we are sure we have helped increase their pride in their neighbourhood. People are using the garden bench for conversations and eating together. In due course, the fruit bushes, trees and strawberry bed will provide healthy food for free. We have also had reports that a hedgehog is visiting the garden!

The local economy

Were able to offer contracts to some local landscape gardeners and purchased a lawnmower from local firm

Volunteering, jobs & education

Several people from the community volunteered help with clearing the site of debris after the initial digging, then with turf laying, and planting the flowers, bulbs and fruit trees. Subsequently, volunteers have mowed and watered the lawn area, and weeded around the fruit trees. More opportunities will arise now that the garden is established for volunteering with ongoing maintenance. Also we are talking with Chester Zoo about providing family friendly educational activities in the Spring. We have recently received an offer from the local W.I. to plant some bulbs at the appropriate time.

Activity, health and leisure

We have encouraged the community with the help of Handbridge Community Association to tackle the waste area on the opposite side of the pathway. They intend to develop this piece of land as an additional leisure area. The project generally has encouraged garden activities, and promoted the idea of healthy food for free.