Flowerbeds in Lawrence Hill transformed by Big Tidy team

In July 2021, the Big Tidy Project brought the sparkle back to the Newtown estate in Lawrence Hill. Clearing footpaths, removing graffiti and generally tidying up the area.

During our work, we talked to community members. They told us that the raised beds in the centre of the estate had not been looked after for many years. They were an eyesore and attracted antisocial behaviour, such as drugs and weapons being hidden in the dense overgrowth.

The Big Tidy team worked with Bristol City Council Parks department to completely transform the flowerbeds in Lawrence Hill.

As the area felt unsafe for residents, we wanted to make sure the community had some ownership over the plan. We surveyed residents living in properties surrounding the raised beds, asking what they would like to see in the area.

The overwhelming winner was ‘easy to maintain flowering shrubs and plants’. It was a no-brainer – a bright and colourful flowerbed was the aim for the team.

A colourful centrepiece

Work kicked off in April 2022, starting off with the overgrown weeds being dug out by Parks. New flowers and shrubs were kindly funded by the Estates team, and by May 2022 the beds were blooming.

The new plants included bright purple geraniums and pink sea thrift. We also added shrubs that are easy to maintain once established. Creating a colourful centrepiece for the area for the whole community to enjoy.

To celebrate the work and provide information on the plants, we held a community event in collaboration with the Festival of Nature. Volunteers helped us litter pick the area and Councillor Yassin Mohamud attended to congratulate the team on the transformation.

Is there an area, green space or building near you that needs the Big Tidy sparkle? Let the team know by emailing bigtidy@bristolwastecompany.co.uk.