Lawley and Overdale Parish Council took ownership of the community garden in 2017, on land leased from Telford & Wrekin Council. It received Green Guarantee status in 2019.
The area is designed to provide a relaxing garden environment for all residents, serve as a venue for community events and educational projects, and become a haven for wildlife and insects, in an area which will have seen over 3,500 additional houses built by 2028.
The community garden has been transformed over this period by the Parish Environmental Team (PET), who have restocked flower beds, created a community herb garden, built raised beds, and put up bird and insect boxes.
The Parish Council has tried to source materials and plants from local suppliers wherever possible. The wildlife boxes and the noticeboard are examples of this, which were made by the woodwork team at the Skills and Enterprise Hub in Horsehay, while the herbs for the community garden were purchased from Meadowdale Garden Centre at Horsehay – who also generously donated many of the shrubs that were initially planted in the flowerbeds.
A few local community groups, such as the Stay Project, are currently using some of the raised beds to grow their own food, vegetables, and fruits. The children have thoroughly enjoyed being involved with this, and it’s provided an opportunity to educate them about where food comes from, as well as issues of environmental sustainability.
The rock pool, the bug catcher, and even large, simple rocks have become attractions for our younger residents.
The community garden is a good place to visit for everyone’s wellbeing. Whether it is just to have a walk through and see the lovely plants and flowers, or to spend time relaxing, have a picnic, and enjoy listening to the wildlife, it is a worthwhile part of our parish.
In early 2023, Lawley and Overdale Parish Council commissioned a local artist to produce a ‘willow crown’, in commemoration of the coronation of King Charles III. This later included the installation of a wooden bench.
Bob, a member of the Parish Environment Team, continues to maintain the community garden. If anyone would like to volunteer to help out, or alternatively, just has some suggestions on how they would like to see the community garden develop further, please send an e-mail via enquiries@lawleyoverdale.org.uk.
