Colleagues from Broadacres have come together to regenerate the garden area of a supported living service which helps women fleeing domestic abuse.

Broadacres Housing Association encourages its staff to volunteer their time to help local good causes and through this, members of Broadacres’ Sustainability Group worked hard for two days to transform the garden at the Association’s refuge.

Working with the company which is carrying out Broadacres housing retrofit programme, PH Jones, the volunteers removed dead shrubs and broken planters and replaced them with fresh layers of gravel and a selection of plants embedded in mulch and compost for easier maintenance.  The plants were carefully chosen to both look beautiful and also to be beneficial to pollinators.

The work was overseen by Broadacres’ Landscape and Contracts Coordinator, Paul Forrest.

He said: “It was hard work, but everyone mucked in and did a fantastic job transforming the garden at the refuge.”

Michaela Thomas, Refuge Team Leader, said: “The families are delighted with the results. It’s made the garden an even nicer space for them to enjoy.”

Felix Orchard is the Broadacres’ Sustainability Apprentice who organised the garden makeover.

He said: “At Broadacres, sustainability is playing an ever-increasing role in our operations and as we assess ways to take climate action, we are keen to involve colleagues interested in making a difference.

“The Sustainability Group looks to promote sustainable practices which improve the environment in our local communities and at the refuge our aim was to renovate the garden area around the scheme for easier maintenance and supporting biodiversity growth.

“Not only do events like these enhance the environment, but they also bring other benefits like teambuilding and are a great way to improve physical and mental well-being. We are really proud of the work we have been able to do at the refuge and for the positive impact it will have on the families who live there.”