Forgotten street corner blooms into a community garden thanks to local centre and volunteers
7 August 2023
A small overgrown street corner, next to the West Bowling Advice Centre in BD5, has been transformed into a vibrant community garden thanks to the efforts of local organisations and the community.
The transformation began when the West Bowling Centre contacted Better Place, a Better Start Bradford project that works in collaboration with Bradford Council.
Designing the layout of the garden was a collaborative effort, with input from Better Place, contractors, volunteers, and enthusiastic beginners especially residents and different people that use local community hub, the West Bowling Advice Centre.
Volunteers from corporate businesses such as British Gas have also spent a day clearing the area, planting hundreds of trees, shrubs and bulbs uniting their efforts in a shared purpose, eager to create a haven of greenery for the local community.
Ricki Lord, Deployment Lead, British Gas said:
I can speak on behalf of the whole British Gas team to say that the day was a real success. We removed 61 bags of rubbish & weeds, planted some trees and shrubs with a great sense of team spirit!
There were people coming and going all day which really highlights how valuable the centre is to the local people. We all came away from the day with a real sense of achievement.
Adele Adams, Project Manager, Better Place said:
The sense of community has flourished with the creation of this garden. This once barren street corner is now blooming into a colourful tapestry of life, attracting the attention and curiosity of passers-by, drawing in new volunteers and visitors.
Families with children play with the mud kitchen and sand pit, making dens, planting seeds, and making the best of the weather with water play. Elderly residents find solace amidst the flowers, reminiscing about their own gardening endeavours. The garden has become a hub of activity, buzzing with laughter, conversations, and the gentle hum of pollinators.
Ludmila Novosjolova, BD5 Neighbourhood Engagement Worker based at the West Bowling Advice Centre said:
Thanks to the new community garden, we will be organising regular workshops, covering topics such as ideas for playing with your little ones, organic gardening, composting, and sustainable living. The garden has become an educational resource inspiring young minds to appreciate the beauty and importance of nature.
The garden’s impact has extended beyond its physical boundaries. Neighbours have started to take pride in their surroundings, inspired by the transformation. The once forgotten street corner has become a catalyst for positive change, igniting a sense of belonging and community spirit that is spreading throughout the neighbourhood.
About Better Place
Better Place is identifying and overseeing improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for expectant parents, babies, young children and families. The project is also finding ways to reduce exposure to harmful traffic fumes for pregnant women and small children.
The Better Place project is a Better Start Bradford project that is being delivered in collaboration with Bradford Council, Bradford Trident, Groundwork UK, Public Health, voluntary and community sector groups and local people.
Check out our events and activities page to find out what the Better Place Activities team are doing in Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton.
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