Green spaces build bridges
It was a chance meeting between local resident George Howard and Northampton Borough Council Green Space Warden Jon Southall, which led to the founding of the Castle Environmental Group in Spring Boroughs, one of the most deprived areas of Northampton.
Taking care of the green spaces around St Mark’s House Estate, the group has transformed the local environment and has big plans for future community projects.
The transformation begins
With a sum of funding from local government and support from local charities and businesses, the group bought tools, installed water butts and compost bins and erected two polytunnels. Now their operations are largely self-sustaining, growing their own plants from seed and making use of reclaimed building materials to develop garden structures. With 11 regular volunteers, they’re an enthusiastic and committed bunch.
Group chair, George Howard, says, 'We’ve got to know lots of people doing this. You end up a bit like a social worker, helping everyone out – it’s hard to get down to doing any work sometimes!
'But people love what we’re doing. I get stopped in the street all the time and told how much of a difference it makes.
'Many people are wary of getting involved because they think they can’t dig, but we reassure them it doesn’t matter what they do. Whether they can help us fundraise, spend a few hours on the computer or get involved in planting, it’s bringing the community together that’s important.'
A plan for the future
The group is busy planning future activities. In addition to a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to mark the location of an 11th century priory which once occupied the site, there are also plans to build allotments. The allotments have piqued the interest of many of the residents, with large numbers already signed up for the chance to grow their own.
Jon Southall is impressed by the group’s resolve: 'To see such a change in a relatively small space of time has been very encouraging. When I first met with George the idea was to start a small community gardening project, but very quickly it has developed into so much more.
'The area consists of high-rise flats and in this environment it is easy to become secluded and to lose a sense of community. Since George has started this project though, I have seen an increase in the numbers of people meeting in the garden. Whether they be working or just enjoying the open space they have all been talking and taking an interest in each other which is fantastic to see.'