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Posted on 17 Oct 2017

Two Trust sites have been awarded the top ‘outstanding’ rating in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ Awards.

The Come Grow with Me allotment at Highbury, and Spinney Meadow at The Wells Road Centre, were both judged outstanding by the RHS for their community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement.

At Highbury, the allotment is a place for both patients and staff to unwind. Activities include growing vegetables for healthy cooking sessions, sewing seeds and art projects.

At The Wells Road Centre, Spinney Meadow is home to a range of livestock which patients are learning to look after. Patients have also made bug hotels and bird boxes, as part of their work to create different habitats in the area. Crops grown at Spinney Meadow are also used in the Centre’s kitchen.

The judges said of Spinney Meadow, “the patients’ enthusiasm for the project was very evident, as was the joy and peace that it brings them, as well as providing them with useful skills for their futures. It was a privilege to be witness to a very special project.”

The judges were also impressed with the work going on at Highbury. They said, “the project is having a very tangible impact on the lives of everyone that uses the garden, and the plans for future development are very exciting.”

Congratulations to all the staff and patients who have developed these green spaces, for the benefit of everyone at Highbury Hospital and The Wells Road Centre.