From Chelsea to Bransholme: Community centre to be new home for flower show garden
BIRD-FRIENDLY: An artist’s impression of the Songbird Survival Garden
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
A Bransholme community centre is to host one of the gardens being exhibited at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.
The Songbird Survival Garden, designed by Nicola Oakey and supported by Project Giving Back, will be unveiled at the Chelsea Flower show before being relocated to its new home at the Neighbourhood Network’s Community Centre in Goodhart Road, Bransholme.
The garden is inspired by the movement and perspective of a bird foraging for food and water while moving between points of safety and shelter. Two pathways will weave between layers of planting, mimicking how birds prefer to move through a network of cover.
At the centre of the garden is the Birdhouse Den, made from reclaimed materials. It includes six hand-crafted metalwork motifs of at-risk UK songbirds. Bird-friendly planting provides natural sources of food, nesting material and shelter. A circular pond provides shallow water for birds to drink and bathe in.
Joint charity managers Lucy Carew and Sarah Weichardt explained why developing this area of the community centre and receiving a prestigious Chelsea Flower Garden is so important.
Lucy said: “The outdoor space at the community centre is currently not used at all by the local community and has been described as ‘seeing better days’ and ‘concrete jungle’ by many. The garden area is fully hard landscaped and currently does not have safe access for all to use.
“The vision is that the existing concrete space can be transformed into a vibrant, welcoming community space, accessible for all. We believe the garden could put Bransholme on the map and are incredibly proud to be the ones facilitating this opportunity for our community.”
Sarah said: “A community garden is a great way for people to come together, enjoy nature, and learn how small changes can help local wildlife and the environment. It’s a space where everyone can do their bit and see the benefits of caring for our surroundings.
PLENTY TO DO: The space that needs to be cleared for the garden’s arrival
“But it’s not just about nature – it’s about people too. This garden will bring groups together, giving them a chance to try something new, meet others, and feel part of the community. It’s especially helpful for those feeling lonely or isolated. Whether it’s learning new skills, improving health and wellbeing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, we want this space to be something the whole neighbourhood can be proud of.”
Before the Songbird Survival Garden can arrive, the current concrete and paved space needs to be cleared and levelled. Paths will need to be laid, with additional drainage put in.
The charity is appealing for support with this project from local businesses and a crowdfunding page has been set up to help. Businesses who might want to support this exciting project, including through sponsorship, can contact the team on office@nnetwork.org.uk.
Donations can be made to the project’s crowdfunding page with donations added before March 14 being doubled thanks to the Aviva Community Fund.
You can donate here.