Blooming brilliant teamwork at Wyndhurst Orchard, Wadebridge

Something wonderful happened at Wyndhurst Orchard, Wadebridge last month. What was once two quiet, unused ponds has now become the start of a colourful cottage-style garden - thanks to a brilliant effort from staff, residents and partner organisations.

For a long time, the ponds sat filled only with rainwater and weeds. Residents hoped the space could be put to better use and we were delighted to help bring that vision to life.

A group of colleagues and partners came together, including Community Safety Officer Amy Garnett, Area Housing Officer Dillon Centini, Customer Service Advisor Cathy Carter, Estate Services Team Leader Matt Herring, Estate Rangers Nathan Walsh and Jack Downing, Surveyor Teve Bale, and Social Value partners Cardo and CCS. With the enthusiasm and organisation of Engagement Officer Jo May, the ponds were transformed into what will soon be beautiful, wildlife-friendly flower beds.

Although the long-term plan is to create mobility scooter storage, the team wanted the space to feel bright and useful in the meantime - and the new gardens will bring joy to anyone passing through.

How it all came to life

On day one, Cardo and Water Hygiene Supervisor Matt Ayres, who played a huge part in the project’s success, prepared the ponds. The next day materials were delivered, and the new garden beds began taking shape.

The old ponds were filled and topped with cardboard, mulch and soil donated by partners. Estate Rangers and Cardo staff returned over the following days to finish off the beds and tidy the surrounding garden areas.

Because of the colder season, the team focused on preparing the soil and structure, planting a few shrubs and bulbs to give the garden a head start. In spring, we’ll be back to plant the beds fully.

While all this was happening outside, residents joined in from indoors - making bug hotels, painting garden statues and adding little touches of charm to the new space. It also gave everyone a chance to chat and enjoy some creative fun away from the chilly  weather.

Thank you to everyone involved

Our amazing staff who worked so hard on the transformation

Residents, whose creativity made the garden feel personal and loved

Engagement Officer Jo May, for keeping everything running smoothly

And a huge thank-you to the companies who generously supported the project:

• Green Waste Co – logs
• Travis Perkins – donated soil
• RGB – more soil
• Cardo – staff time, materials, plants, and bug-house frames
• CCS – lunch, refreshments, and winter wellbeing advice
• Cormac – tool trailer and equipment

It was fantastic to see such great collaboration - the ponds may be gone, but in their place will bloom a little patch of community pride!