A local builders merchants has donated materials to support the development of a community garden in Bournville that is helping to boost residents’ health and wellbeing.
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has donated a tonne bag of building sand and gravel for the communal garden, which is based at flats at Alder Lane.
Throughout lockdowns, residents at the flats have cleared and developed a previously unused area of land into a garden space with raised beds growing vegetables which they can all enjoy. Last year they grew fruit and vegetables including pumpkins and tomatoes.
In addition to the generous gift of the sand and gravel, JPS were also kind enough to provide much needed new tools to enable residents to continue to develop the site and keep the garden area clean.
Winston White, Tenancy Management Team Leader at Bournville Village Trust, said: “Residents had moved some raised beds closer to the flats, rearranging them into a position which works for them. However, they were unable to re-use all the old sand for relaying the blocks around the raised beds and weren’t able to afford to buy new sand themselves.
“This kind donation from Jewson has made this work possible, allowing the garden to develop further into a place that provides a space for fresh air and somewhere for residents, many of whom live alone, to enjoy each other’s company.
“Residents have done all the work themselves with very little assistance from us and having a garden to attend and to look forward to has really given some residents’ hope and vision for the future.”
Julie Alder, Partnership Account Manager at Jewson Partnership Solutions, said “We are committed to helping find ways in which we can support our local communities. We are all experiencing very unprecedented and uncertain times currently, so it was great to hear that the donation of materials and tools we made to Bournville Village Trust is being used to help local residents enjoy their outdoor space.
“We wish Bournville Village Trust and the residents at the Alder Lane flats all the best with their community garden project and we hope the project can help bring some much needed joy to the Bournville community.”