Syston could be getting a Community Garden

The garden could have a wildlife pond, a forest garden with fruit and nut trees, and hedgehog houses.

Charnwood Borough Council is working alongside Syston Town Council and community group Grow Give Live on the project which is looking to create the one and half acre garden on council-owned land off Glebe Way in Syston.

The proposed community garden could include a wildlife pond, a forest garden with fruit and nut trees, a woodcraft area, hedgehog houses and a bee hive area.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for open spaces said: “This is a really exciting proposal for Syston. We know how much being in the fresh air and being amongst nature can help to improve not only our physical but also our mental wellbeing.

“As a Council, we are incredibly proud of our open spaces, and the community garden has potential to be a great addition to the borough. I would encourage residents in the local area to take a look at the proposed designs and have a say.”

Proposed designs have been put together and the Council is now after views from local people.

The consultation will run until Monday, November 14, 2022.

If the proposal is supported then the Council are going to consider using developer funding, known as section 106 agreements, to do some initial work such as fencing and the water supply.

Grow Give Live would then be responsible for sourcing additional funds to deliver the community garden vision.

Cllr Tom Barkley, borough councillor for Syston West and chairman of Syston Town Council added: “Grow Give Live contacted me a while back with the idea to create a community garden in the town.

“The proposal has lots of potential and could bring many benefits to residents in Syston. It would be great to hear people’s views on the idea so please have a look at the plans and fill out the consultation.”

A short questionnaire has been created so people can offer their feedback and comments.

For more information about the project and to complete the questionnaire visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/SystonGarden