Community Trust renovates neglected land for residents to enjoy

Fleetwood Town Community Trust has redeveloped a derelict patch of land into a beautiful community garden, giving residents a space to relax and reflect.

A group of young people taking part in the NCS Keep Doing Good programme, which is run by the Trust, were tasked with planning and delivering a social action project to make a direct difference to the local community.

The group felt passionate about mental health and believed that it was becoming a greater problem across Fleetwood, not only to teenagers but to people of all ages, so they decided they wanted to create a space that could be used by all, providing somewhere to reflect, where people could take time out of their day.

Following this, NCS Manager John Hartley approached Regenda Group to see whether they had any land available for redevelopment, and they did, just next to Fleetwood Fire Station. In addition to Regenda Group, this initiative was also supported by Wyre Council, Princes Trust and Cllr. Paul Galley, who have all supplied resources towards the project.  

Cllr. Paul Galley, Fleetwood Town FC and the Community Trust have developed a great relationship over previous years supporting each other through various projects. When John approached Paul to ask about possible donations of plants and flowers, he was only too happy to help, and the brightly coloured flowers donated by East Pines Park have brought the flowerbed to life.

“Fleetwood Town FC and the Community Trust have been so kind to East Pines Park over the years, so we were delighted to be able to give something back by contributing some plants to this wonderful initiative,” said Paul.

“It is a great project, and through it, we have agreed to grow lots of plants for Fleetwood over the years to come as our way of saying thank you.”

John Hartley, NCS Manager, said:

“This overgrown piece of land can now be enjoyed and used by local residents as a relaxing wellbeing facility, and I’m really excited to see how our project develops over the next weeks, months and years.

“It’s fantastic to see the efforts shown by organisations such as East Pines Park, Wyre Council and Regenda Group, and it highlights the impact of a strong community spirit.

“The long-term aim is to develop a seating area and a herb garden for the whole community to enjoy and feel a part of. We are encouraging any residents who would like to take their mind off problems to come and do some gardening and support with the upkeep of the land.”

“We designed the garden for the local community, to help bring a smile to their faces following the difficulties so many have faced recently,” added NCS participant Naomi Mayer.

NCS Keep Doing Good has given young people from Fleetwood and surrounding areas the skills and the opportunities to make a difference within their community.

The two-week programme saw teens aged 16- and 17-years old take part in sessions that developed their understanding of the community whilst also gaining an understanding towards the social issues locally, which were highlighted through primary research.

All of the young people involved have developed transferable skills such as presenting information, being well organised, and understanding responsibilities, which can then be taken into college, university, apprenticeships and employment.

Click here to find out more about NCS.