An unloved piece of land has been transformed into a glorious garden area for staff and students at a local college to enjoy as part of a community project led by Greener Ealing.

Greener Ealing Ltd, (GEL) Ealing Council’s waste, recycling and grounds maintenance contractor, carried out a three-day makeover project last week at Springhallow Post 16, in Greenford, as part of its commitment to giving back to the community.

The college, in Greenford Road, opened in September 2019 for 16-19 year-olds who have been diagnosed with autism and helps to prepare its students for working life and a pathway to adulthood.

In three days GEL staff worked in high temperatures to turn over the rock hard soil, create planting beds and cut back large areas of overgrown brambles. Staff and students pitched in to help and learn more the garden they are going to continue looking after. Volunteers from LAGER Can also joined to litter pick the area on Wednesday, 9 June.

Katie Morley, assistant headteacher at the college (Post 16), said: “This has been fantastic for our students. They have really enjoyed the process, seeing something come from nothing, and it’s been great to get them involved too. This project allows them to learn and develop new skills.

“Greener Ealing has been fantastic, from the onset they’ve been so supportive and even donated new tools for us to use. I’m amazed by their hard work and the positivity they’ve brought to the project.”

The small area of land, which is owned by the council, is now clear of weeds and debris and is now a colourful space filled with flowers, plants and herbs as well as vegetables. Other local businesses also offered discounts on planting materials and Ealing Council donated some plants.

Kevin O’Leary, interim managing director at GEL, added: “We were delighted to take part in this project, that came about from a conversation between one of our staff and the school’s caretaker.

“It’s important to us as a local business to really embed ourselves in the community and go above and beyond offering the day-to-day service that we provide to the borough. Projects like this one enable us to share a positive environmental message, it’s good for the students to learn about growing food and how food choices can relate to our carbon footprint. They wrote us some wonderful letters of thanks and some fantastic cards too, it was the icing on the cake of a job well done.”

Greener Ealing is owned by Ealing Council and launched in July 2020 when it took over from the council’s previous waste contractor. Figures have shown improvements in the borough’s street cleanliness and waste collections since GEL took over. Greener Ealing has also been taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint of the business, including the introduction of electric tools instead of using petrol operated ones.

Need a hand?
Do you know of a local community project that could do with a helping hand from us? Get in touch by emailing GELcommunications@ealing.gov.uk