Winton Library Garden
The Royal Horticultural Society (HRS) and South and South East Bloom have awarded the green space an ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ award of ‘Thriving Level 4’. The level is attained by assessing the community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement at which point an overall mark is given. The council’s gardens at Coy Pond regularly achieve a ranking of five.
The award has allowed the team to link up with other green space volunteers with similar groups around the country offering them valuable mentoring and advice whilst providing a yard stick against which progress can be measured.
BCP Council have supported BH9 Business Community volunteers in their quest to return this disused space back into the beautiful, sunken, Victorian garden that it once was, and for it to be enjoyed by the whole community throughout the year.
Councillor Andy Hadley portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy said:
“Having visited the garden and seen the fantastic efforts of the small team of volunteers, I can say wholeheartedly that this award is very well deserved. I am pleased that funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy has been agreed and will be put to great use providing accessibility for those with mobility issues enabling them to view the garden too. Well done to you all.”
Emma Martineau, Director and Chair of BH9 Business Community said:
“I am astounded by how much we have already achieved, and to be acknowledged like this by the Royal Horticultural Society is a real bonus. Bringing the space to life again so it can be enjoyed by everyone was one of our goals, and we have surpassed that which is magnificent but there is still work to do.”
“If anyone has time to spare, please come and join us on any Saturday between 10am and 1pm. We provide gloves and tools so just bring yourselves. We would love to see you.”
The team have more ideas for the garden which they are now planning for having received funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
