GROUNDWORK has begun on a new community garden at Belhus Park.

The project is a collaboration between Impulse Leisure, Essex Wildlife Trust and Active Essex and aims to cultivate connections and enhance the local environment.

Speaking about this exciting project, Maya Harvey-Mills (Wilder Communities Organiser - Essex Wildlife Trust Ltd), said: "The community garden Impulse Leisure are creating at Belhus Park is a very exciting project. With the local community leading the way, we are turning a previously unused piece of land into an area people can utilise to grow beautiful plants, fruit, and veg.

"By incorporating nature into the growing process and leaving space for wildlife the garden will become a greatly biodiverse space that supports important pollinating invertebrates such as bees, butterflies and moths, small mammals like our beloved hedgehog and a wide array of birds. The aim of this is to create a space everything can use and enjoy!"

Impulse managing director Karl Hayes said " At Impulse Leisure, we aspire to be more than just providers of physical activities; our goal is to ensure that our community enjoys positive mental health and wellbeing, with access to resources promoting a healthy lifestyle. Introducing the community garden exemplifies our dedication, empowering our members to enhance their overall wellbeing through physical activity, social engagement, and connection with nature."

A spokesperson for Active Essex, a partner in the creation of the community garden said "We are excited to support the creation of the community garden at Belhus Park, initiatives such as this are a great way to encourage the local community to get outdoors which is good for both physical and mental well-being.

"We hope that the garden will not only support people to enjoy some light physical activity but also help bring the community together for a common purpose and help anyone who might be feeling socially isolated."

In the upcoming months, Impulse Leisure will be laying the groundwork for the community garden beds, aiming to start planting in early spring.

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A spokesperson said: "We're reaching out to you for your input, ideas, and assistance in creating the best possible community garden – one designed by the community, for the community.

"If you're interested in getting involved, please contact us here https://impulseleisure.co.uk/contact-us. Let's work together to create a natural space for everyone to enjoy!"