Community garden transforms former fly-tipping hotspot in Palfrey

A former fly-tipping hotspot in Palfrey has been transformed into a new community garden, giving residents a welcoming space to relax, connect and enjoy the outdoors.

Housing association whg created the wellbeing garden at Milton Place after listening to customer feedback. Customers said they wanted a shared outdoor space where they could spend time, meet neighbours and build a stronger sense of community.

Their input helped shape the design, which includes accessible paving and raised planting beds to ensure the space can be enjoyed by everyone.

As well as improving the look and feel of the area, the garden has been designed to support local wildlife and boost biodiversity, turning a previously neglected site into a vibrant green space.

One customer said: “I think it will improve the area, make the place look cleaner and it will be good for our mental health, getting out and meeting people we never really knew in the street.”

Jo Shields, head of sustainability and ESG at whg, said: “Spaces like this play an important role in supporting wellbeing and bringing communities together, while also helping us respond to longer-term environmental challenges.

“We’re already seeing customers use the space and meet neighbours for the very first time, even making plans to come together for activities like arts and crafts sessions. It really shows the difference a shared space like this can make.”

John Mellor, Principal Consultant at The Green Partnership, said: “We hope the community garden provides a space for residents to meet, socialise and get in touch with nature. It’s been designed to allow people to get their hands dirty, to grow food and to enjoy time outdoors. In addition, the changes to the site have made it more biodiverse and valuable to wildlife. It’s been a pleasure to work with whg on this project.”

whg will monitor how the garden is used, including its impact on customer wellbeing and local biodiversity, to help shape similar projects in other neighbourhoods.

The Milton Place garden is the first project of its kind for the organisation and is expected to act as a model for future community green spaces.

The project was delivered in partnership with The Green Partnership, with support from Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd and Concept Elevators (UK) Limited.