The Sustrans team - Requesting volunteers to help create a community garden

The Sustrans team at Birtley Active Travel Centre, based in Birtley Library, are working to create a relaxing, safe space for all readers, walkers, wheelers, riders, players, growers, and pollinators. It's an ambitious plan, but one rooted in community spirit and creativity.

Current plans for the garden include:

• a 'fairy circle' for the library to host children's story times
• a wildflower section with insect houses, bug hotels, a bird feeder, and bird bath
• planters (already crafted by a generous colleague!) for community members to Grow Your Own
• tributes to Birtley's history, such as poppies for the Birtley Belgians and coping stones collected by Birtley Heritage Group
• a fresh coat of paint for the fences, which will later feature stencilled 'active scenes' like walking, wheeling, cycling, and playing - with help from local children
• cycle parking, scheduled for installation at the end of August

To help bring this vision to life, a volunteer day will be held on Monday 18 August at the community garden behind the Birtley Centre and Library.

Support is needed with:

• weeding
• digging
• painting
• planting
• offering advice and guidance

Respond to request