Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield & Mansfield and their construction team, Crestra Ltd, have worked with Newark and Sherwood District Council and local residents to produce a community garden within a residential area of Southwell.

Previous to the project, the land was an unused grassed area where the building contractors work compound had been located whilst the newly established estate was under construction.

Groundwork began by designing and drawing up sketch plans of a project that could make use of the existing space and produce an area where families could visit and where wildlife would flourish.

The communal space is now an attractive, natural area which boasts the following features:

• A central oak archway to the gardens
• Maintainable vegetation specifically chosen to attract and encourage wildlife – including the ‘pipistrelle bat’ in which puprose built boxes have been fixed for them to roost, hibernate and raise young
• Aesthetically pleasing timber play and seating equipment that have been built and installed
• The construction of a small bridge over the brook that runs alongside the gardens where visitors can watch the stream and wildlife

The work of a local artist was produced to create a bespoke carved wooden bench for the park, which also amounts to a children’s play feature.

The work took a total of four weeks to complete, creating a natural, green space whichis now enjoyed and maintained by local families and residents of the Southwell area.

“This park is one of the best play spaces Newark and Sherwood District Council have done, we’re very pleased with it”

Phil Beard, Buisness Manager,
Newark and Sherwood District Council