In the spring of 2010 a group of young people engaged through Motiv8 in Portsmouth commenced a clean up and make over of a nearby garden at St. Peter’s Church in Somers Town. The group worked closely with local residents and church goers to transform the previously neglected and overgrown space into a community garden for all to enjoy.

The space at the back of the church had been neglected for years and was overgrown and full of debris and waste – a real eyesore not just for the church community but the whole neighbourhood. 

The young people cleared the space and designed and built a garden that's not only an attractive place to sit and relax but it also provides gardening opportunities for local community groups and wildlife habitats. They also attend some carpentry sessions and built some wooden benches that were placed in the garden and worked with local artists the Graffiti Kings to produce a mural for the garden.

After months of hard work the group handed over the garden to the church and the parishioners we amazed at the transformation. 

Alex Hughes, Priest in Charge at St. Peter’s said, “There is so little green space in this part of the city it’s great for the church to be able to provide something for the benefit of the young people and the community. This was a great opportunity for the young people to work with local residents and our parishioners to turn this waste ground into what is now a beautiful garden.” 

The group also worked with WEA (Workers’ Education Association) and learnt useful skills in how to film, interview and edit the work that they undertook. Watch their video below: