Rise:61 celebrated the grand reopening of its beloved community garden this month, marking the completion of a stunning £70,800 redevelopment. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and championed by local residents, the transformation has created an accessible, year-round green space in the heart of the estate.
The project, which took place over February and March, includes beautiful new landscaping, an accessible path, and patio areas. This significant upgrade builds upon years of dedication from young people and local volunteers who initially cultivated the garden.
Local residents embrace the change
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Local resident Lynn enthused, “I so love, love, love this ❤️💯 What an amazing project that continues to grow and develop for the people by the people 🫶 we need more and more of this in the world 🌎 it’d be a much better place, rather than relying on the big Gov or companies to do it for us.” Young Theo simply called it “very cool and a big upgrade.”
Robin Imeson, Director of Rise:61 and the resident who applied for the grant, stated, “This project has been such a boost to our vision of a better Bemerton for all, as now everyone can access and enjoy our community garden. It’s great to see the hard work of our young people and local volunteers being built upon to create a space where our community and its bird and insect life can thrive together.”
Thank you to everyone who made this possible
Rise:61 extends its gratitude to Salisbury Landscaping Solutions, Paul Stevens Architecture, Wiltshire Council, local councillors, and the Community Panel for their invaluable contributions to this revitalizing project.
Camilla Ritchie, Chair of the Wiltshire Gardens Trust, spoke at the opening party earlier this month on the importance of gardens and green spaces and Dave McNee, pastor of local congregation Grace Church said a powerful prayer of blessing on the space. Attendees also enjoyed playing table tennis on the new all weather concrete table build in the garden.
The next stage of development for the garden is to build a large oak gazebo on the patio area to create a covered area for year round use. Make a donation today to help make this possible.
