Marley Park to see colourful transformation for local communities and wildlife
Marley Park in Keyham will soon be transformed with the help of local communities and school children, improving the park for residents and wildlife.
‘We are delighted to see how Green Communities have been working with the local community to improve their green space. It will make the space so much better for wildlife and local people.’
After consulting with local communities in Keyham, Marley Park will undergo an exciting range of structural and green space improvements with the support of the Green Communities team, a project led by the National Trust and Plymouth City Council. Green Communities have previously supported biodiversity within the Knowle Avenue area through establishing hedgerow and wildlife meadows, but after completing community consultation, residents said they wanted to see more improvements made within shared spaces. These plans draw and build on the Keyham greenspace improvement plans developed in 2023 – you can learn more here.
The previously unloved games area will become a vibrant hub of colour, where local children can play. Working in collaboration with Troy Woodhouse from the local Community Interest Company, Creative Crossover, and Keyham Barton Catholic School, local students took part in a workshop to design a new mural for the games area. Taking inspiration from their connection to the local area and nature, the student’s designs were bold and full of colour. They were also given the opportunity to design and win a basketball kit. Students’ designs will feature on the games area and will showcase residents’ creative talent.
The two planters, currently overgrown, will also soon be bursting with life. With the support of Stoke in Bloom, the planters are being re-designed with a mix of drought-resistant fragrant herbs, shrubs and flowers. Residents will be welcome to enjoy the community herbs for cooking delicious meals, and local wildlife will also enjoy the pollinator-friendly planting design. The planters will look colourful all year round due to new mural on the side of the planters dedicated to nature and created by Troy Woodhouse.
Alongside these visual improvements, essential repairs will also make the park more accessible. As a major route to Wolseley Road, pathways are being repaired and improved and the entrance to the games area is being opened to enable wheelchair access, creating an open, safe space for people to enjoy. A new bin is planned to be installed so everyone can dispose of waste responsibly and take care of the surrounding area.
During these major improvements use of the park and games area will be temporarily limited for short periods in May and June. Residents will be informed beforehand and Green Communities apologises in advance for any inconvenience.
However, there will also be plenty of chance to get involved! Green Communities will soon be sharing a number of planting days to help transform the planters. Local residents and school groups are also warmly invited to join an opening event to celebrate the regenerated space, and celebrate the amazing artwork created by the students. Head to the Green Communities events page to keep up to date or follow @NaturePlymouth on Facebook.
For any queries or further information please contact Hayley Partridge: hayley.partridge@plymouth.gov.uk
‘I believe that investing in Marley Park will not only improve the quality of life for current residents but also enhance the overall appeal of our neighbourhood. Thank you for considering this request and for your dedication to our community spaces.’