Residents of a LiveSmart scheme in March, Cambridgeshire, are enjoying a transformed communal garden, owing to the support of our contractor and social value projects.
The garden was previously a well-used space, but over the years it had become overgrown and unloved. However, it has been given a new lease of life thanks to Communities Officer Maria, who secured the social value funding for the improvements from Clarion Futures, and from EQUANS as part of their contractor commitments.
Maria worked closely with residents on the plans, to create somewhere that all could enjoy. And with EQUANS help, these suggestions were turned into a reality. They installed a haven of beautiful plants in hanging baskets and planters, wheelchair accessibly decking, garden furniture, and so much more, to completely make over the space.
Julian, from EQUANS, said: “This garden project has been one of my favourites over the last 16 years of working with Clarion. The sheer scale and the number of residents that it benefits, really makes it a social value initiative that will help with social isolation and community cohesion. We really hope everyone enjoys the new space this year.”
There are a total of 36 properties within the scheme and residents really appreciate the transformation.
John, a resident, said: “When they were opened, most of the residents here went to have a look, there was quite a crowd! It’s a nice place to sit and we all enjoyed it very much.”
As well as being somewhere outside to sit, with their neighbours or visitors, and enjoy the fresh air and plants; some green-fingered residents are also learning more about gardening and how to plant flowers and grow vegetables.
This article was featured in Your Clarion, our residents’ magazine.
