A green space in Pershore is set to be transformed as part of a new project.
The aim of the scheme is to transform St Andrews Gardens into a ‘high quality, ornamental and sensory rich garden space.’
Pershore Place Board will take the lead, in tandem with Pershore Town Council, Wychavon District Council, Pershore College, the Diocese of Worcester, Abbottswood Medical Centre, and other key local partners.
The project hopes to transform the gardens into a beautiful space promoting biodiversity, wellbeing, and community engagement.
St Andrews Gardens is currently an informal green space and a closed churchyard. The gardens are open to public access. Through the scheme, the area will be respectfully altered to become a bespoke sensory garden, offering for people of all ages and abilities.
“This is an opportunity to create a magnificently enhanced green space that benefits the entire community,” said Darren Eden, Chair of Pershore Place Board. “By collaborating with excellent local organisations, we aim to deliver a garden that is both beautiful and beneficial for mental and physical wellbeing.”
The team are designing the garden with three key principles in mind – sensory experience, biodiversity and health and wellbeing.
The plant selection will include carefully selected plant species, many of which grown at Pershore College, to provide interactive experiences through colour, scent, texture, and even taste.
The work will include an enlarged rose garden with 135 additional specimen English roses.
A broad range of plants and habitats will support local wildlife and create year-round interest, with a different theme appearing through each changing season.
In partnership with Abbottswood Medical Centre, the gardens will offer a space for social prescribing. Social prescribing refers to healthcare professionals encouraging outdoor activities which can support mental and physical health. Pershore College will also run gardening courses in the space.
In addition, the space will celebrate the history of the very special site as a closed graveyard through interpretation boards and maintaining existing memorials and headstones.
The gardens will remain open to the public every day of the year.
A spokesperson for Pershore Place Board: “The project is a fantastic example of how collaboration is driving positive change in our town.
“Pershore Place Board is very pleased to have partnered with Pershore Town Council, who are the custodians of the gardens, to deliver another project for the benefit of the local community, visitors and the town.
“We aim to make a lasting impact on Pershore, ensuring this historic space is cherished and well-used for generations to come.”
