A COMMUNITY gardening project in Leamington has grown from strength to strength.
Paintings Plantation – named in honour of the late Norman Painting, star for many years of long-running radio show The Archers – is based at Campion School.
Volunteers have transformed the former scrubland over the past two years into a sanctuary for pupils and older people.
Supported by Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire (AUKC&W), who Mr Painting was patron of, the plantation has become a place for pupils to grow vegetables, for volunteers to use and pass on their skills and knowledge, and a haven for older people with dementia to visit.
Volunteer Elizabeth Phillips said: “The transformation of this area of trees and pond has been remarkable in such a short period of time. From an impenetrable wilderness, to a place of tranquillity and colour, giving space for the birds and bugs to flourish and a place for peace and laughter.
“Our thanks must go to the local companies who have helped us and the town council for its continued support.”
Leamington mayor Bill Gifford and AUKC&W patron and broadcaster Liz Kersaw recently popped along to thank all those involved in the project.
