On Saturday October 28th members of Radnor Green Party joined the newly formed “The Court Community Club” to plant a range of spring flowering bulbs for 2018, in order to increase biodiversity and create an enhanced living space for residents and wildlife.
‘The Court’ is a small residential area of sheltered housing for the elderly and infirm, which surrounds an open grassy square.
Toby Veall, a resident and permanent wheelchair user, following a spinal cord injury in 2010, has led the project to create an informal and naturalistic planting scheme to improve and enhance the quality of life of both the residents and the local community who walk through and share the space. It is also designed to support insects, butterflies, moths and birds all of who need so much support and help in our increasingly urbanised environment.
The project recognises the increased financial pressures facing Powys CC and hopes to help cut costs while creating a more vibrant, engaged and cohesive community in a sustainable and productive manner.
Toby researched the views of the residents and was met with strong support for using the grassed area more imaginatively. Many residents are no longer able to physically garden but supported the project with donations to buy bulbs, raising over £240.
Toby won Best Council Garden in Radnorshire in 2016 for his creative planting design and attention to detail, with assistance from Dr Rob Luxton, an ecologist and Newbridge on Wye resident.
Toby Veall said, “ We are delighted to see the community space moving forward. Any project like this needs a lot of consultation but also passion, which can grow over time with the garden itself. The enthusiasm of residents and volunteers shows the level of commitment that can be found here”
Chris Carmichael, Radnor Green Party spokesperson, said, “ Small scale manageable projects like this are invaluable for bringing communities together, bridging age gaps, enhancing living spaces while helping wildlife at a time when it needs most.
It completely complies with and supports the “Well being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 , which says “It will make the public bodies listed (i.e. local authority) think more about the long-term, work better with people and communities and each other, look to prevent problems and take a more joined up approach".
The Court Community Club hopes that this garden will inspire many more and would like to thank the council for their vision and support.