'Natural oasis' created to combat loneliness

The land, in Summer House Drive, Hadley, Telford, was originally abandoned

A community garden has been created with the aim of combating loneliness, and helping people to stay active.

The land, in Summer House Drive, Hadley, Telford, was turned into a "natural oasis", including a wildflower meadow, fruit trees and raised beds.

Volunteers from The Telford African and Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre (TAARC) helped with the transformation, alongside Telford and Wrekin Council.

“The success of this community garden is down to the dedication of the people who have worked together," said Cllr Kelly Middleton.

"It’s great to see a place that was once overgrown and unused, turned into somewhere people can work together to create something special for the community that surrounds it," she added.

"I look forward to the first crop of apples and watching the group grow in numbers."

TAARC is a registered charity that aims to showcase the best of African and African Caribbean cultures.

The garden, which was originally abandoned land, was a Windrush Community project, and is open to people from any faith or nationality.

"We can all benefit mentally and physically from being outdoors, seeing wildlife in their habitat, watching plants grow and harvesting what we have planted," said Natalie Headley, TAARC's chair of trustees.