Colleagues from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) Melksham depot in Wiltshire have been taking part in a community project to plant trees and create a sensory garden at the Canberra Centre.
Joining forces with Wiltshire Family Hubs - which are delivered by Spurgeons - the five-strong group from the Distribution Network Operator’s local depot worked over two days to help improve the designated green space to benefit the community.
Through the planting of amenity trees - which are specifically grown and maintained for their aesthetic and environmental benefits - and hedging, the initiative and the groups of people working on the ground have created a vibrant and welcoming sensory garden; enhancing the outdoor space for children, families and visitors to the area.
The work has enabled the Canberra Centre to open to the public for walks, relaxation and community events. In addition to the enhanced green space, the site now also benefits from Wi-Fi access, making it a welcoming and accessible environment for all.
James Darch, SSEN’s Resource and Scheduling Manager for the area said:
“We were delighted to be asked by Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Family Hubs to bring together a working group and take part in helping develop this wonderful community space in Melksham.
“Volunteering our time and effort to create a greener and more inclusive space for our local community to enjoy has been a great way to get start the year and we look forward to seeing the garden change and grow throughout the coming months and years.”
Chair of 4Youth (South West) and local Wiltshire Councillor, Jon Hubbard said:
"We are incredibly grateful to the team members from SSEN, who generously volunteered their time to support the development of the new Canberra Community Park on Spa Road.
“Their hard work over the two days made a real difference, and their commitment to helping the community is truly appreciated. This project is all about creating a space that local people can enjoy for years to come, and their support has been invaluable in making that vision a reality."
Carl Houghton from Wiltshire Family Hubs added:
“Working with so many organisations to bring this project to life has been a big achievement in itself, and seeing the hard work put in by so many to achieve this Community Asset to Melksham shows the community spirit in the town.
“A big thank you to SSEN’s colleagues who helped on planting day, going above and beyond, not only planting trees, but helping us to complete other aspects of the project in such a small timeframe. I know this Community Park will be enjoyed by all and it is thanks to the hard work and generosity of local businesses and organisations.”
This community project work has been carried out through SSEN’s volunteering programme, Be the Difference, which empowers colleagues to take time away from the day job to give back to the communities they serve and make a positive impact.
The project was planned and enabled by Jon Hubbard (4youth), Carl Houghton (Wiltshire Family Hubs) and Naomi Styles (Woodland Officer, Wiltshire Council).