New community garden in Palfrey officially opened

A former fly-tipping hotspot in Palfrey has been transformed into a new community wellbeing garden, which was officially opened this week.

Housing association whg created the garden at Milton Place after customers said they wanted a welcoming outdoor space where they could relax, meet neighbours and feel more connected to their community.

On Wednesday MP Valerie Vaz, Councillor Stuart Chapman, Councillor Hajran Bashir and Councillor Ashfaq Ahmad, joined customers and partners to celebrate the opening.

Customers helped shape the design, which includes accessible paving, raised planting beds, areas for growing food and more natural landscaping to support wildlife.

The transformation is expected to deliver a 22% biodiversity net gain, with the area providing valuable habitat increasing from around 79 square metres to more than 702 square metres.

Jo Shields, Head of Sustainability and ESG at whg, said: “It was wonderful to welcome customers and our partners to celebrate the transformation of Milton Place.

“This project began by listening to customers and understanding what they wanted from the space. It has turned a previously neglected area into somewhere people can meet, enjoy nature and build stronger connections with their neighbours.

“We are already seeing customers use the garden and meet one another for the first time, which shows the positive difference that a welcoming shared space can make.”

MP Valerie Vaz said: “I was delighted to visit this new garden and welcome the positive investment in Palfrey. Local people deserve high-quality, well-maintained surroundings, and this project shows what can be achieved when neglected land is given a new purpose. I hope the garden will become a valued part of Milton Place and something residents can enjoy and take pride in for many years to come.”

Milton Place is the first pilot project delivered through whg’s Green Open Spaces Strategy, while also linking to the Customer and Communities Strategy. The housing association will monitor its impact on customer wellbeing, biodiversity and neighbourhood pride, using the learning to help inform future improvements across its communities.

The garden was delivered in partnership with The Green Partnership, with support from Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd, Morrisons Walsall and Andwis Lifts.