WASTELAND has been transformed into a secret oasis.
Pallion Action Group bought the land, at Falmouth Road, from Gentoo and turned it into a community garden space for all within a year
It’s a free way for people to get involved with the environment and share skills with different generations.
Pallion Action Group worked with environmental development organisation Ceed, which obtained £31,000 in project funding from Natural England and the National Lottery.
PAG manager Doreen Buckingham:
"The garden will have several aspects to encourage nature, and we will be using natural resources with willow weaving and wood turning."
"There will also be a pond to encourage water creatures, a sensory part for those who are visually impaired,a stone barbeque, and also an area where young people can train for the John Muir and Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes".
CEED works with communities across Sunderland to support them in the design and delivery of environmental projects. Providing training in a wide range of conservation, horticulture and traditional woodcraft, CEED works with volunteers to undertake a wide range of practical projects.
Project officer Nathan Hopkins said:
"Green space has a direct effect on social behaviour in an area, but we’re not just building a footpath into a garden, we’re getting the community involved. We had people old and young developing their skills and getting educated about nature whilst they worked on creating a community space.”
The Secret Oasis garden is a good example of all members of the community coming together to take responsibility for the regeneration of their community. Most particularly, this initiative gave young volunteers from local organisations, such as Vinvolved, the chance to learn employable skills and interact with their own community.
“We want to get young people involved in their own communities, to give them some experience. The result is absolutely brilliant, a lot of people have worked really hard on it.” Brian Watson, of V in Sunderland
“It’s good to do volunteering and getting to meet people.” Reece Fullard, 18, local volunteer
We have received coverage from the Sunderland Echo, and Sunderland West Community News for our work within the community of Pallion. The project has received praise for displaying community initiative in transforming urban wasteland into a blooming plot, complete with a pond, rocking chairs, and exotic fragrances.
"This is an excellent example of the community coming together to transform what was a bit of an eyesore. When completed, the garden will be a real asset to the whole community." Councillor James Blackburn
PAG Address - 5 East Moor Road,
SUNDERLAND,
SR4 6QW - Tel 0191 5142011 Fax No: 0191 5657496