The Arches Wildlife & Wellbeing Garden

The Arches Wildlife and Wellbeing Garden

Inspiration & Vision

Machynlleth garden inspired us to transform a neglected urban space into a community garden, encouraging the awareness of wildlife and providing a peaceful place for residents especially families to sit with wildflowers, fruit trees and fruit bushes. The biggest aim of the Arches wildlife and well-being community garden project was to transform an overgrown, neglected and avoided area into something that would enhance the experience of the local community. The hope was that the local community would want to get involved and ultimately take ownership of, and pride in the area.

Community engagement and challenges

We were asked to present our vision to the Handbridge Community Association and to the local branch of W.I. There was generally a positive reception and interest, as the area had become an eyesore and a place known for anti-social behaviour.

Our social media survey asking for local community opinion and willingness to donate; or practically help, had drawn mostly positive responses in terms of the Arches redevelopment happening. 

We had a lot of support from Chester Zoo, building on our relationship through involvement with their Wildlife Connections initiative, who produced and donated a beautiful welcoming and educational sign for the garden, which is now in situ.

Project Achievements

Five espalier trained fruit trees, apple and pear, with handmade signs have been planted along the path. We have made and placed two planters in the garden, one planted with herbs (and with future planting space for vegetables if the community wants to undertake this) and one planted with strawberries. We also acquired and put a garden bench (made entirely for recycled plastic bottles) near the established yew tree. We have also planted bulbs, some that were lifted and replanted and some new ones added. The turf was laid and has transformed the patch into a lush lawn. A specially made wooden gate now provides better access into the garden where previously the metal gate did not open properly.

A local resident whose property is close by the gardens has generously agreed to us erecting a small robust garden shed in which tools, lawnmower, compost etc can be safely stored, so that in future the community can get involved with the maintenance of the gardens.

Impact on Community

Once the development was taking shape and visible, all passers by who engaged with us, did so with appreciation and optimism. About 20 local residents then got involved with turfing, bulb planting, clearing rubbish and stones from the patch. Furthermore; the incidence of littering reduced massively once the original side was near completion.

The bin bags we attached to the fences have been used appropriately, and the area is being treated with respect. It has been noted that providing a more pleasant environment has had a beneficial impact on the sense of safety and cleanliness of the area. People who may previously have discarded litter into the area no longer do so. It has been heart-warming to see people using the area for rest, connecting with nature and neighbours.

Local residents, inspired by our project and with encouragement of Handbridge Community Association, were inspired to tackle the area on the opposite side of the path, and raised funds from councillors’ budgets to clear the ground of rubbish, weeds and invasive plants. Plans are underway to transform this area as well.

Our local W.I. branch and one of the supporters of the project asked if they could designate one of the apple trees we planted to their centenary and placed a commemorative plaque by it with a small ceremony.

Future plans:

A community launch event is planned for the spring which we are hoping Chester Zoo will support.