Redbridge’s green fingered community help get the borough blooming

Community spirit was blooming in Redbridge as gardening enthusiasts of all ages and abilities came together to plant more than 500 flowers to brighten up their neighbourhoods.

The Community Planting event was led by Redbridge Council’s Neighbourhoods Team who provided those taking part with hi-vis wear, gloves, trowels, and training.

The fun-filled event attracted nearly 200 green fingered locals who helped fill 19 planters, in total, in Barkingside and Seven Kings.

Among the flowers planted near Seven Kings Station and Ken Aston Square in Barkingside, were Geranium, Impatiens, Petunias, and Ivy.

Community friendships also blossomed. More than half of those surveyed from the community planting days said they had met other local people they would stay in touch with.

90% of those surveyed also said they had been inspired to get involved in more community events.

Yasir, from Aston Estates in Seven Kings, said: "It was a wonderful event. I am so proud we have got together as community so we can carry on making our area a nicer place to live."

Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride, Cllr Jo Blackman said: “Community gardening is a great way to bring local people together to help create vibrant, colourful neighbourhoods. Our planting days are always a big hit with local people and proof of the wonderful work that we can achieve as one community to create a greener and more biodiverse borough.”

Community gardening is one of several eco-projects under the borough’s Our Streets Strategy, which focuses on social action and working with local communities to keep Redbridge’s street scene green, clean, safe, and attractive.  For more information go to: www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/

(END)