Willenhall community garden spruced up

Green-fingered Willenhall residents have had their community garden spruced up with help from whg and Wates.

Members of St Giles Community Gardening group reached out for help in improving their green space for the wider community.

As part of Wates’ Community and Conservation Week, the contractor tidied up existing plants, relocated the shed, created a vegetable patch and added new planters and a bench.

The improved garden will be a place for local residents to socialise, grow produce and improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

Customer Sue, who is heavily involved in the gardening group, said: “This garden is our nearest green space, and is especially important for those of us with mobility issues.”

“We love coming out here together for a chat and a cup of tea, and just watching the wildflife flourish rather than sitting alone in our flats.”

Michelle Webber, Community Housing Officer for the area, said: “We are delighted with the work Wates has carried out at St Giles Community Garden, turning into a real community hub.

“The garden is now cleaner, greener and full of life. We hope it will not only improve the aesthetics of the area, but also the mental and physical wellbeing of local residents who spend time there.”

Christian Bird, Project Manager for Wates, said: “This project is a testament to the positive impact that community collaboration can achieve; being able to take part in initiatives such as this is so rewarding for us as a business. I hope that the residents enjoy the space as much as we enjoyed working on it.”

Communities and Conservation Week is an annual event where Wates’ staff use paid volunteering leave to support projects which help the local community, protect the environment and enhance sustainability.