Community celebration for allotment project

A project to create a peaceful community space to collaborate and grow together has been officially opened today (Monday). 

Slough Borough Council, SEGRO, Groundwork, the College Road Allotment Committee, and Western House Academy have worked together on the community plot project at the College Road Allotment site in Cippenham. 

Earlier in the year, pupils from the school visited the allotment site for a tour and were invited to produce designs and ideas for the allotment garden, which now contains various planting areas, a bug hotel, a greenhouse, rest area and raised beds.  

The winner and runners-up in the design process had previously been presented with glass trophies to thank them and celebrate their efforts.

The official opening involved a ribbon cutting by Slough’s Mayor Councillor Siobhan Dauti, where she spoke of the everlasting legacy the school children will leave behind by being part of this, along with speeches from all the partners involved. 

Pupils from Western House Academy gave a fantastic performance of a song titled ‘What’s It Worth, Planet Earth?’, with the focus on the value of the environment and the sustainable actions we can all take to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’.  

Residents with allotments on site were also in attendance, and the Western House Academy pupils from the Green Team got started with some wildflower seed planting. 

Councillor Gurcharan Singh Manku, lead member for environment and environmental services, said: “It’s fantastic to have had the school children involved from the start, sharing designs and aspirations for the plots. We thank them for their efforts, SEGRO for the funding and Groundwork for their work to make the plot suitable. 

“The Allotment Committee have been working hard to ensure this is a true community project, which is open for anyone to get involved, including schools and community groups, and those without their own plot. I look forward to seeing what blooms and grows here.”

Anna Bond, Head of Western Corridor, SEGRO, said: “It's fantastic to see the College Road community garden come to life through such genuine collaboration. This project reflects what can be achieved when local partners, schools and residents come together with a shared purpose.

“The creative ideas from Western House Academy pupils have helped shape a space that is welcoming, accessible and full of potential. Funded through SEGRO’s Community Investment Plan, this garden is part of our commitment to enhancing local environments and creating spaces that support the wellbeing of the communities we’re proud to serve. We’re delighted to support a garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Nicky Bhatoey-Turnbull, Employment and Skills Programme Manager at Groundwork, said: “The Green Team at Groundwork would like to thank all the partners involved in bringing this community allotment to life. We have enjoyed creating this landscape and look forward to working on future community spaces.”

Usman Malik, Chairman of College Road Allotment Society, enjoyed welcoming everyone on site for the occasion. He said: “This is a great example of partnership working. SEGRO have been a longstanding friend to the site and the funding has made possible the creation of a garden space that'll be a benefit to the local community for a long time to come. This will encourage people to grow their own food and promote physical and mental wellbeing.” 

If any community groups or individuals are interested in helping at this new plot, please email allotments@slough.gov.uk