Volunteers’ gardens at Alresford rail station completed with installation of a bench

Local residents and visitors to Alresford can now relax in a community gardens thanks to the installation of a bench donated by Greater Anglia.

Although there is plenty of seating on the platforms, volunteers who have created a community garden adjacent to the station told the train operator that they were in need of a bench to complete their work.

Greater Anglia’s Community Partnerships Manager, Paul Haynes, said, “When we heard that the fantastic community garden at Alresford was in need of a bench we were only too happy to help.

“As a community focused operator, it’s great when we can help local people and the volunteers who work so hard to keep their communities thriving.”

Now the bench has pride of place overlooking the community garden where volunteers have planted flowers and shrubs and also fruit trees, vegetables and herbs for the local community to use for free.

The station’s volunteer adopters have also worked with the Bee Friendly Trust to ensure that their planting schemes and flower tubs are providing a habitat for bees and other wildlife in conjunction with the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, which promotes positive partnerships between the railway and the community.

Terri Ryland, Community Rail Partnerships Officer for Essex County Council said, “The work that is done here by local residents and the small team of station adopters is breath-taking and makes Alresford station such a wonderful place to visit.

“The gardens are not only beautiful and interesting but are of real benefit to the community as well, with all the produce that is grown here.”