The Parish of West Bletchley is fortunate in that it now possesses a Sensory Garden of which it can be proud, but that was not always the case.
Originally funded by the charity Toc H, the garden had fallen into a state where to be kind, it displayed an unloved appearance. A small band of local residents felt that this was a shame especially as it fronts the lovely St Mary’s Church and with a bit of care and maintenance, could be an asset to the community. So, residents came together, and with support from West Bletchley Council, successfully bid for grant funding to begin the restoration process. That was when Men in Sheds West Bletchley were approached to help.
residents came together, and with support from West Bletchley Council, successfully bid for grant funding to begin the restoration process
Over a period of three years, the Shed has installed decking to keep the soil from being washed away, built a rainwater harvester, made some signs, built some wildlife homes for hedgehogs and insects, and donated some wooden boxes for local primary school children to paint and decorate. In addition, Shed members have helped dig over the ground to enable others to plant new shrubs that have been donated by Dobbies Garden Centre locally.
During the present lockdown when it has not been possible to meet within the workshop, Shed members have instead, met each Thursday morning and have painted the wooden benches with preservative and have begun the task of smartening up the metal railings at the front of the garden. This has not only enabled the Shed to meet once more in an outdoor setting, but also delivered a valuable community service. The pictures show members of the Shed engaged in painting the railings.
So now the community of West Bletchley once again has a quiet place to go and find solace or to meet with friends in a pleasant environment that smells just divine when the roses come out in bloom. The gardens now consist of a wildflower zone, a herb zone where members of the public can pick small amounts, a rose and shrub zone and a grassed area. It really demonstrates the difference Sheds can make to their local community.
the community of West Bletchley once again has a quiet place to go and find solace or to meet with friends in a pleasant environment that smells just divine
The Parish of West Bletchley is fortunate in that it now possesses a Sensory Garden of which it can be proud, but that was not always the case.
Originally funded by the charity Toc H, the garden had fallen into a state where to be kind, it displayed an unloved appearance. A small band of local residents felt that this was a shame especially as it fronts the lovely St Mary’s Church and with a bit of care and maintenance, could be an asset to the community. So, residents came together, and with support from West Bletchley Council, successfully bid for grant funding to begin the restoration process. That was when Men in Sheds West Bletchley were approached to help.
Over a period of three years, the Shed has installed decking to keep the soil from being washed away, built a rainwater harvester, made some signs, built some wildlife homes for hedgehogs and insects, and donated some wooden boxes for local primary school children to paint and decorate. In addition, Shed members have helped dig over the ground to enable others to plant new shrubs that have been donated by Dobbies Garden Centre locally.
wildlife homes for hedgehogs and insects, and donated some wooden boxes for local primary school children
During the present lockdown when it has not been possible to meet within the workshop, Shed members have instead, met each Thursday morning and have painted the wooden benches with preservative and have begun the task of smartening up the metal railings at the front of the garden. This has not only enabled the Shed to meet once more in an outdoor setting, but also delivered a valuable community service. The pictures show members of the Shed engaged in painting the railings.
This has not only enabled the Shed to meet once more in an outdoor setting, but also delivered a valuable community service.
So now the community of West Bletchley once again has a quiet place to go and find solace or to meet with friends in a pleasant environment that smells just divine when the roses come out in bloom. The gardens now consist of a wildflower zone, a herb zone where members of the public can pick small amounts, a rose and shrub zone and a grassed area. It really demonstrates the difference Sheds can make to their local community.
By Paul Egerton