Grass roots

Supporting local communities means giving time as well as money

It's in the nature of our work to tackle developments on a grand scale: an entire West End block at Park House|, 1000 acres at Ebbsfleet Valley, 42,270 square meters of office and retail space at Bankside 123|. But some of our most rewarding projects take place on a much smaller and more everyday level.

Just down the road from Bankside 123| lies a small strip of land bordering Christ Church in Southwark – only five metres wide and 45 metres long. Until 2008, it was a neglected and unattractive area, avoided by locals and frequented by rough sleepers and drug users. We were happy to become involved in an innovative local partnership aimed at transforming this abandoned piece of land into a haven for wildlife in the heart of Southwark.

The partnership came about as a result of our long-standing relationship with the Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST), which works closely with local people to create and maintain green spaces south of the Thames. When they approached us to help fund the project, we were happy to donate and even happier to roll our sleeves up and get involved.

The great thing about the Christ Church Garden project is the way it brought the community together in imaginative new ways. The garden lay-out was conceived by a student at the local garden design school. Plant containers were made by a local woodwork artist. Residents with learning disabilities built the bird bath. The insect and bird boxes were made by local homeless people. Children from nearby schools and volunteers from the community helped with the digging, mulching, watering and planting. And volunteers from Land Securities were among the first to start work, loaning a digger and a driver to clear the land, and creating log piles to attract wildlife.

The result is an attractive urban oasis planted with catmint, bellflower, foxgloves and evening-scented honeysuckle to encourage moths. As well as promoting biodiversity, it boosts the quality of the public space in an area for which we have a long-standing passion and commitment. We see this as a great example of how community initiatives should work in future – bringing people together, sparking new connections in the community, improving the quality of public space, and contributing to a better environment for everyone.

"Land Securities' approach was invaluable. Within a few months of planting, bees were collecting nectar and pollen – thanks to our volunteers and those busy bees in the community." Heather Carter, Administrator and Community Gardener, BOST