Team building grows from gardening project

A communal garden in Dronfield received a makeover thanks to the efforts of a group of young people in the town.

Rykneld Homes donated £500 from its Neighbourhood Improvement Initiative budget towards the scheme at the garden on Manor Road which is managed by Rykneld Homes.

The gardening scheme was a joint initiative between Rykneld Homes, the Police, Henry Fanshawe School and the local community to make improvements to the Manor Road area which has recently suffered from anti-social behaviour.

Su Gomer, Chief Executive at Rykneld Homes, said: “We are delighted that so many young people took part in the gardening scheme to help improve the communal garden on Manor Road.

“One of the key priorities for Rykneld Homes is to work with our partners to build strong communities and neighbourhoods where people enjoy living. The gardening scheme benefited our tenants who now enjoy an improved garden area and benefited the young people by developing team building and offering the chance to learn new skills.”

Gardening tools for the project were loaned by Henry Fanshawe School and the plants were provided at a discount by Wards Garden Centre.

Youngsters taking part in the programme were rewarded with a team building trip to a local Paint Ball centre.

John Tyson, one of the Rykneld tenants in the Manor Road bungalows said: “I am extremely impressed with the hard work shown by the young people. They have done an excellent job and I hope this will inspire some of them to continue gardening, maybe even get an allotment!”