Construction of the walled Town Centre Garden is now complete. This exciting project was developed to address the issue of tree routes which had made the area unsafe for pedestrians, while retaining the much loved mature trees in the Town Centre. The project was designed and delivered by Wokingham Borough Council.
There is no public access to walled enclosure as this would defeat the object of essentially moving pedestrians away from the areas of root damaged, uneven surface. We are looking at a number of potential uses for the garden and speaking with community groups to move this forward. Suggestions for the garden have included community vegetable growing, carbon reducing moss and ornamental grasses and shrubs. The garden may have a combination of these and other uses as it develops.
Woodley Town Council is looking at the potential for new seating and notice board signage as part of the project.
2/6/2020
To read the initial news article, detailing the garden, please click HERE.
9/6/2020
The tree area is now complete and as Covid-19 restrictions continue to lift, plans will begin to fill the area and complete the seating. For more details please click HERE.
Photo: Stewart Turkington
March 2021
Wokingham Borough Council will be carrying out crown lifting works to the trees in early summer, in advance of the Town Council planting the garden.
Unfortunately we need to wait for the tree works so that the new planting isn’t damaged when this is carried out. The Town Council has allocated £4,500 toward the planting and we have a planting plan which will add colour and sensory elements to the space and will be involving volunteers in the planting and ongoing maintenance.
April 2021
Woodley Town Centre community garden planting to start this summer
We are pleased to announce that we have drafted a visual and sensory design for the planting in the new walled garden area in the town centre.
However, this is unfortunately unable to start until Wokingham Borough Council carries out crown lifting works to the trees in early summer, which is the best time for these particular trees to be cut. This is necessary before any planting begins as it will allow more light into the area and stimulate better plant growth.
We are still waiting for a confirmed date from Wokingham Borough Council.
Planting
Central planting of a selection of shade growing shrubs such as hydranga, japonicas, hellebore, ornamental grass, hosta, vibernam and ferns will form part of the design. Along with peripheral planting of crocus, snowdrops, bluebells and wood anemone.
This will provide a good mix of planting in terms of appearance, height, colour and scent. Some larger shrubs will also be considered to provide a focal point along with smaller shrubs and ground cover.
The design has been planned to be adapted and added to as the garden develops.
Community involvement
We want the garden to be an on-going project with scope for community involvement from individuals and local groups and organisations. We have already received many offers of assistance and involvement that can be accommodated and encouraged in different ways. There may be an opportunity for volunteers to be involved in the initial planting and maintenance during the first season, under the direction of the Grounds Maintenance Manager.
There will also be opportunities for groups to become more involved, such as local schools.
This forms part of a larger plan to arrange volunteer planting days, under the supervision of the Grounds Maintenance Manager, across many of our parks and green spaces.
Please note that, at this stage, it is subject to the health and safety guidelines during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Town Council Leader Cllr Keith Baker is eager to get the planting started and is delighted with the initial garden design and potential community involvement.
“We originally had two options for the design of the planting and chose the one that was the most visually stimulating, ensuring that the walled garden area becomes a stunning focal point in the town centre.
We will also be considering additional accessible seating and will be discussing options for the type, quantity and location of any seating in future committee meetings, with public consultation.”
Can we please remind people to not put any rubbish in the garden area. Thank you.
