Bywater Community Garden Expansion Project
The Bywater Mutual Homes Community Garden Expansion represents a significant step towards a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. This project will not only enhance the environmental performance of the landscape but also create meaningful connections between residents and their environment, paving the way for future careers in the green industry.
Expanding the Community Garden:
A Need for Environmental and Social Improvement
The expansion of the Bywater Mutual Homes Community Garden addresses the need to replace conventional landscape maintenance practices with sustainable methods that positively impact both the environment and the community’s well-being. The current maintenance routines, such as mowing grass, blowing leaves, and applying chemicals, are not recommended for conservation landscapes and often alienate residents from their surroundings. This project will transform these practices, providing residents with the opportunity to engage in gardening, socialize, and develop a sense of ownership over their environment.
Promoting Environmental Stewardship
and Career Opportunities
The garden expansion will serve as a learning landscape, helping residents develop basic horticultural skills and prepare for careers in the green industry. The skills acquired through maintaining a bio-diverse, sustainable native landscape are essential for future job opportunities in maintaining nature-based stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and climate resilience solutions. This project will expose residents to potential career paths in environmental fields, fostering a stronger sense of environmental ownership and stewardship.