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St Paul’s residents start work on new park by and for community
It’s a bright, crisp winter’s day and, at Dalrymple Road, work has begun in earnest to transform a neglected plot of earth and turf.
Roger Williams, who has lived in St Paul’s for 25 years, is explaining his plan to an intrigued neighbour who, drawn out by the sunshine and blue skies, is wondering what all the activity on his doorstep is about.
That plan involves creating an outdoor green space for residents like this one to meet, grow food, spend time in nature and let children run free.
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“There are no usable parks in the local area,” says Williams, explaining he was inspired to get stuck in after a walk round the streets with his young nephew revealed there was nowhere locally that he could play. “I’m on a project to revamp this space back for the community.
“Eventually I’d like to see a park the St Paul’s community can use and smile and feel empowered that it is theirs. So they can actually see where their taxpayer’s money is going to.”
A park by and for the community: Roger Williams says he wants local residents to feel empowered by having a green space that is theirs to do with as they wish
Williams is working with the council, with support from their ParkWorks department that helps get community projects like this one off the ground, as well as social enterprise Places for People.
They’re currently in the ‘heavy lifting’ stage of removing dead roots and big weeds, and getting a rotovator in to level out the mounds of soil. Next, planters will be installed and then residents will be invited in to sow seeds and make the space their own.
Williams says they’ll grow food and herbs to give away in food baskets or soups, or maybe cook up for weekend gatherings and charity events: “Just letting the community get involved with the space and how it’s being used,” he says of his vision, adding he hopes having a pocket of nature on the doorstep will benefit this urban community.
“Nature is one of the major driving forces of my life,” he says. “I grew up in Eastville so as a child I was able to run around Eastville park and Snuff Mills and the back of Purdown. It was brilliant. Climbing trees, digging, watching wildlife and birds, the plants growing and seasons changing – it’s a part of who I am.
“It’s just marvellous for the wellbeing, especially these days with all the mental health problems and people getting stuck in their own thoughts after lockdown. It’s nice to have a space you can come out and feel more relaxed and at ease, get back to nature.
“This is why I want to try to bring this space back and give others the experiences I had – I’m smiling just remembering those brilliant days! I’d like to give a little bit of that to the next generation.”
The activity has already caught the attention of neighbours; Williams hopes residents will be inspired to join gardening parties and use the space to meet, enjoy nature and play with their children
Williams has been joined by a handful of volunteers including one of the three Green Party councillors for Ashley Ward, which encompasses St Paul’s, St Werburgh’s, Montpelier and St Andrews.
“This is what we do in the Green Party – we get out, meet people and do stuff in nature!” Izzy Russell says, rake in hand.
Russell is keen to support a community-led project revitalising green space that, they say, is vital for health.
“It’s lovely that the council are able to step back and support what is led by people who actually live on this street and will be seeing it every day,” they say. “These people here didn’t necessarily want a playground, they wanted a place to grow food and bring people together – that sort of choice made by them is really powerful.
“Minority ethnic groups statistically get less access to nature – so it’s really important that green and food growing space is available, particularly, for the community in St Paul’s.
“This is an opportunity to get outside of what can feel like an urban jungle which can be depressing and grey, to see some sort of life in the city in winter which can be abit miserable. To see some colour and to appreciate, right on your doorstep, the life and death and growth that occurs in nature is a beautiful thing.”
Russell is in talks with WECA and Avon Wildlife Trust about plans to launch an Ashley Good Gardens initiative next year. Plans “in the pipeline” include an open garden event, seed swap, and skill share focused on encouraging urban biodiversity.
With Dalrymple Road at the front and trees at the back, the park space is a sun trap perfect for growing vegetables
For those in St Paul’s who can’t wait until 2026, the gardening sessions at the Dalrymple Road site will begin at the end of March.
“If you’ve got an hour, or just ten minutes, you’re more than welcome to come down,” says Williams. “Bring your boots, a pair of gloves and a flask, and just get stuck in. Do a bit of weeding, planting a few bulbs or whatever may be required on the day – nothing stressful.
“It’s just having a laugh with some likeminded people, we’ll have a nice couple of hours in the garden getting some exercise, doing something nice and feeling invigorated. When you see the finished result of things growing then you know you’re winning!”
For more information check the St Paul’s Connected facebook group, look out for fliers in the St Paul’s area and join the WhatsApp group.
All images: Ursula Billington
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