How did it all begin?

The space around the parking spaces was over run with brambles, which had attracted a lot of rubbish. Local resident Debbie saw an opportunity to create a space for wildlife on her doorstep. With the help of community builder Maisaa she reached out to her neighbours and brought them together to start to transform this space and look to support others nearby to do the same.

We first got involved in the project when Debbie reached out to see if we had any tools the groups could borrow. Inspired by Debbie’s vision we got involved to help reach out to the community, provide advice on what could be achieved in the spaces and help the community to connect to the local council for permission to develop the space and ensure it doesn’t get cut back.

What sorts of things have been done to help wildlife?

Brambles provide a great habitat and food source for wildlife but they were also collecting and hiding a lot of litter. To create more diverse planting and discourage littering the community first sought help from GoodGym to clear the space for new plants. The removal of the brambles had been a concern for one of the neighbours, as they help deter people from climbing over their garden wall. So the group listened and made sure to get some prickly plants that would help deter climbing and benefit the wildlife too.

Part of the space is now being used for a kitchen garden with herbs and flowers, with the rest allowed to be a little more wild. Snowdrop, bluebell, crocus and daffodil bulbs were planted in December. Not wanting to waste the fallen leaves cleared, one particularly handy neighbour created a structure to hold the leaf pile, with room for hedgehogs to pop in for shelter.

In the spring, the community came together for a planting session, adding bushes, climbing plants and clearing three cornered leeks and docks that had started to take over the space. Introducing log piles and embracing the ivy that is growing up the neighbouring garage.

For this community its not just about creating space for nature, the neighbours want to celebrate nature through a mural on a large blank wall in the street. We have connected with the Council who have given us permission and will be helping to connect with the residents to get their views on the design. 

What is next for Clifton Street?

Work is continuing on the patch around the car parking spaces, but sights are set on wilding more of the pockets of green space in Clifton Street and beyond.

With the transformation of the first patch, the community are planning to use the car parking spaces to hold community pop up cafes next to their patch, creating more opportunities to connect with their neighbours and enjoy the space.

What has the impact been for the neighbours taking part?

The community shared with us what they have felt about the community gardening:

‘With the space being made nicer, we are going to have community coffee mornings on the parking spaces once a month’

‘its not just about the planting, its getting together with people in the community’

‘its really nice for my kids to be able to get to know people in their community’

This community started out with a goal to create wildlife friendly spaces on small pockets of greenspaces dotted along the residential street. But in making space for nature they have also created opportunity for the community to come together and connect with one another.