Abbeylands nature based initiative took place from February to June 2025. At the core of the project was 11 young people aged 13-15 years old. These young people took the lead in transforming their local youth centre and community area.
The project began with the removal of dense, overgrown hedging and the uprooting of invasive roots including dogwood, bamboo and old tree stumps. Once the space was cleared, they covered deep rooted weeds and stumps. They then laid down fresh compost and planted fresh shrubs and flowers around the entire area.
The young people also removed old broken concrete planters and contacted the local council who straightened the existing ones. The planters were then removed of overgrown plants and old soil, and the remaining ones were planted with new shrubs.
With the help of youth workers and other members of the local community the young people created a revitalized green space, which is at the centre of the community.
