In 2008 Parklea received funding from BBC Breathing Places to allow the creation of a woodland garden.  Phase 1, situated to the west side of Parklea adjacent to the King George V field is now complete.  With help from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) we created a footpath from our new woodland gate to the shoreline walkway.  Several Parklea volunteers then cut a nature trail from the gate through the woods to the roadway and installed a small bridge.  This funding also allowed the installation of a gate linking Parklea to the shore walkway to encourage access from walkers and people passing. 

A condition of the funding is that the area is also open for community access and enjoyment.  Phase two has already started and will include the installation of directional signage, animal habitats, bird and bat boxes, environment art projects and a number of environmental information and activity areas.  It is hoped that this will further encourage community participation and visits from schools to stimulate interest in wildlife, the environment and Parklea.

We were also able to install pathways within the Parklea gardens to link up the woodland, the shore and the main facilities of Parklea itself.  We decided the design should be a joint venture between all staff, volunteers and clients of Parklea.  We asked for designs to be submitted of everyone’s own ideas.  After receiving a high number of entries we considered a best design, and although we incorporated many other peoples ideas into the plan, we all agreed Caitlyn Johnson’s design had the strongest theme based around a flower petal design.  That afternoon we all had fun running around the area with pieces of wood and stone marking out the pathways. 

We have completed the pathways with the help of local firm, Adam Smith Landscapers, and look forward to incorporating raised flower beds in the shape of petals and a wildlife pond to finish the design in phase two.   

Watch this space for new and exciting developments in early 2010 including a wildlife pond and a educational information programme.