Under-used allotments in Rous Lench have been transformed into a community garden with support from Wychavon.
Villagers have leased the site from St Peter’s Church and reimagined it as a space for people to meet, children to play, and a venue for community events.
Natural play equipment and a slide have been installed, while the site was relandscaped to create low mounds for climbing and a pond added to boost biodiversity.
An existing cider orchard has been added to, with local pear and plum tree varieties planted. The allotments have been split into smaller plots and are now fully let, while new communal accessible raised growing beds have been installed. There is also a clubhouse shed, seating, compost toilet, blue water pump providing a sustainable source of water, and a small car park.
Pictured above: Cllr Rob Adams, Wychavon's Executive Board Member for Stronger Communities, Laura Bradley, Rous Lench Community Garden Trustee and Ben Price, Wychavon's Communities Officer (South).
The project was put forward by Rous Lench and Radford Parish Council in 2022 after they identified the villages lacked a place for young people to play safely and for people to spend time outdoors with each other.
Wychavon backed the proposal with £50,000 from the Community Legacy Grant scheme, with the garden officially opening in May last year.
The second phase has recently been completed thanks to another £25,000 from Wychavon’s share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, £7,000 from Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team, and generous support from the parish council and local businesses.
Villages have formed the Rous Lench and Radford Community Garden charity to manage and maintain the site in the future.
Laura Bradley, one of the trustees and who was the driving force behind the project, said: “It is a huge success story for the village. We’ve got families down here every weekend now. All the allotments are let, and several residents have taken to incorporating a stop here on their morning walks and arranging to meet friends here to enjoy the view and the wildlife. Villagers are really proud of what has been achieved.”
Cllr Rob Adams, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Strong Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “I’d like to congratulate those involved with this project. Their vision and determination have created a place that brings people together through nature and inspires the imagination of our young people through play. It’s why we continue to invest in our communities to provide benefits not just for today's residents but generations to come as well.”
Cllr David Ross, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Health and Wellbeing, Worcestershire County Council said: “I am delighted to see the impact this partnership will have on the health and wellbeing of the community in Rous Lench. Having a safe outdoor space to gather and connect with others can boost social and emotional wellbeing. I have no doubt this project will continue to have a lasting impact for many years to come.”