Newbury's Secret Garden Project rejuvenates green spaces in town centre

A community garden and orchard is coming together in the centre of Newbury after a number of volunteers started the project three years ago.

Members of the Secret Garden Project have been working on the globe garden by Newbury Lock, rejuvenating the forgotten green space and turning it into a tranquil area for the public to visit.

The group is also currently sprucing up Lock Island by clearing away small sections of hedging to open up the area in the hope of reducing the levels of antisocial behaviour.

Secret Garden Project member Sukey Russell-Hayward said of the globe garden site: “This space provides an oasis from the bustle of life for the volunteers, and hopefully soon will be ready to be open to the public.”

The group planted two apple trees and a pear tree at the Lock Island site last weekend. They will be adding two disabled access picnic benches using money raised by the local community and Newbury Lions.

The Secret Garden Project has also secured funding from Newbury Town Council's green spaces working group to add a 'Welcome to Newbury' raised flowerbed by the Newbury Lock bridge.

Ms Russell-Hayward added: “We are also working on a community garden location by Patsons Close, bringing this derelict area back to life, minimising antisocial behaviour and providing a space for the community to enjoy the range of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables being planted.”

Anyone interesting in joining the group, who meet every fortnight, should contact Ms Russell-Hayward at secretgardennewbury@yahoo.com.