Top photo: Councillor Alasdair Keddie with the lead Community Garden volunteer, Karen
First project supported by relaunched community charity after Alasdair Keddie’s groundwork
Last year, local volunteers successfully took over the management of an unloved patch of land near Queen’s Park. They envisioned a haven for biodiversity and pollinators, and a facility for the whole community.
This Community Garden was the first project supported by the newly relaunched Queen’s Park & Charminster Neighbourhood Charity, after new local trustees stepped up. Reviving the charity was one of Councillor Alasdair Keddie’s key goals after being elected.
Alasdair also directly helped the Community Garden get off the ground, by negotiating BCP Council’s transfer of open space to community ownership.
Alasdair says: “We kickstarted the Garden with plants and flowers rescued from the sadly closed King’s Park Nursery, with further donations from the community.
As we go in to Spring, it’s beginning to burst with life, with the first flush of daffodils, tulips and bluebells coming in to bloom. The garden continues to evolve with a wildlife pond, bug hotels, a ‘dead hedge’ and other wildlife-friendly features.”