Creating a buzz at Leaside Way

The garden, and bug house, are looked after by a group of dedicated residents who have come together to improve their surroundings. The green fingered residents led by local Vicky-Lee have already enhanced the communal gardens and have exciting plans to further develop the outdoor area as a space for all to enjoy.

Vicky-Lee is due to give a presentation at the tenants’ conference later this month to share the secrets of how to develop a successful community garden.

As most people living nearby have no outdoor space of their own, the garden at Leaside Way is a valuable asset for the residents. As well as brightening up the area, it provides a safe place for residents to roll up their sleeves and have a go at gardening, growing their own plants and vegetables. Plus, it’s helping to bring the community together as residents can meet other neighbours and enjoy spending time in the fresh air. And as gardening can help reduce stress and anxiety as well as being great exercise, the space is also having a positive impact on improving the mental and physical health of this community.

Since forming the garden club, Vicky-Lee has encouraged her neighbours to create a formal committee in order to bid for funding. The group established in 2019 and have since applied for grants and received money to buy a shed, water butt, garden tools and plants; in addition they received match funding worth over £1200 from our Decent Neighbourhoods programme. The new bug house is just the latest addition to the garden which Vicky-Lee hopes will encourage more wildlife to visit.

“I would like to thank the local Neighbourhood Wardens for building the bug house. We are already seeing more bees, insects and butterflies in the gardens by allowing nature to flourish, and I’m sure the bug house will just add to that,” Vicky-Lee said. “The garden has brought real pleasure for me and my neighbours and receiving funding and buying the equipment has given residents the chance to get out in the garden and be involved in whichever way they want. Everyone has worked really hard and the garden is a credit to everyone who has been involved.”

She continued: “The outdoor space has really helped to bring the community together and it was especially appreciated during lockdown. We have exciting plans for the future of the garden including more wildlife areas, more raised beds and the hope of a summer house. This would give additional space for residents to meet, even in the winter months so will provide many uses to bring people together.”