Community Gardening on Small Spaces

Can some of Kelsall's many small green spaces become more attractive for residents and more beneficial to the environment?

This question came from discussions between residents and the Parish Council over recent years and led to an initiative to improve some of the small green spaces around Kelsall to provide greater visual amenity, more diverse environment, and to put such areas to better use for all residents.

We wondered:

• Are there grass areas which could be enhanced for biodiversity with small trees or planting for pollinators?
• Are there areas which could be used for community planting or seating?
• Are there residents who would like to garden as a group & help improve the village?

A small group of volunteers have started to consider this and have walked areas of the village to identify areas of green space belonging to CWAC or to Highways. These are mainly mown grass at present, some with trees.

The first project is creating a herb bed on the large grass verge at the corner of Chester Road and Church Street North; this was discussed and granted permission (by CWAC Highways, through the Parish Council). This is in progress and volunteers have been hand digging the plot, clearing the couch grass and other weeds and preparing a planting list for planting in the autumn. Plants will include scented and tactile herbs, pollinator attracting flowering plants, with some evergreens to ensure winter interest too.

Other initiatives considered include planting bulbs near the trees at the top of the green and improving the wildflower areas and the stream sides. Once the herb bed is done, we will consider other areas and their possible uses – trees, wildflowers, or raised beds for flowers and vegetables.

Ideally, we're also on the lookout for an area large enough to create a community garden. Such a space could support nature-based group activities, such as sharing of skills, 'Green Gym', Incredible Edibles, orchard, and many other benefits for participants and nature!

The aim is to be environmentally aware, and planting will be of native plants or non-invasive garden plants, suitable for public areas (e.g. non-poisonous) and will consider the maintenance needs and eventual size of the plants.

Currently there is a small group of volunteers who have been considering how to go ahead with individual areas. This is linked to but not part of the Parish Council. Ideas would have to be taken forward with the PC and necessary permissions obtained before any action can be taken.

If anyone would like to join in and contribute ideas or time please contact clairederuty@kelsall-pc.org.uk.