Duchess of Rutland opens community garden at Bottesford railway station
A community garden has been officially unveiled in Bottesford.
Over the past 18 months the Poacher Line Community Rail Partnership and the Bee Friendly Trust have worked with local residents, East Midlands Trains and Network Rail to transform the derelict piece of land next to Bottesford train station into a community garden.
The Duchess of Rutland was invited to officially unveil the garden during a special opening ceremony. She said: “The garden really is a key part of the community and is right on beat with what is happening in society now with the environment. I am proud and honoured to open it.”
Kaye Robinson, community rail partnership officer for Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) has helped to organise the project from the beginning.
She said: “The new garden is an eco-friendly safe haven for wildlife, complete with a composter, bug hotel, pond with hedgehog ramp and an education space for local groups.
“The local Vale of Belvoir Lions group have also donated a bench made from recycled material for passengers and the public. The station has now been adopted by four volunteers, who will continue the work that has been started by developing the garden to its full potential over the coming years. I’d like to thank the local community and partners for their support in creating this wonderful new space. I’m sure it will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Luke Dixon, from The Bee Friendly Trust, said it is the biggest project that the trust, who are aiming to create a world where honey bees and other pollinators have the habitats they need in order to thrive, have worked on.
He said: “The garden is fantastic for this area. It has been a mission but the village have been so involved and we hope that they will now take the garden on as their own. It’s a great garden even if you just want somewhere quiet to sit. It really is a space for everyone.”
Beaver Cub Scouts from Bottesford have been busy making bug hotels for the garden which they plan to place next week alongside an even bigger bug garden made with pallets and bricks.
