The team managing Sackville Gardens first came into contact with Fairfield in 2004, in order to dispose of green waste material, such as tree and shrub trimmings from some of the City’s parks.
Until then the green waste material was being dumped into skips and sent to landfill - an extremely unsustainable disposal method and costing more than double the price charged by Fairfield!
The Parks’ team identified immediately the cost and environmental benefit of disposing green waste at Fairfield, particularly as they were taking away compost at the same time.
Obtaining funding to regenerate Sackville Gardens, the Parks’ team consulted with the local community regarding plant selection, and started applying compost to the soil during the autumn/winter period in 2004/05. An additional winter maintenance programme took place during 2005/06.
Success
Two years and 70 tonnes of compost later, Sackville Gardens is transformed into a beautiful, calm oasis.The soil is dark, rich and healthy, and plants are flourishing. The park has been restored to its former glory and purpose, with residents and workers enjoying its peace and tranquillity.
Such is the success of this transformation and confidence of Barry’s team, they applied for Green Flag status in 2006 – and won it! The Green Flag award is a national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.
The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. It was also seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve the same high environmental standards, creating a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.
Sackville Street Gardens is a fantastic example of how parks can be regenerated, how they serve the local community and how it all can be achieved in a highly sustainable way.
