A little piece of heaven: Devon gardens

Story & Photos: Gaynor Carr

Finding a peaceful spot in a busy city can be a challenge but residents in the Abbeyfield Road area have their own little piece of heaven.

Devon Gardens is a small Victorian park which has benefited over the last two years from significant improvements to pathways, benches and planting. Many more members of the community now use the park regularly for somewhere pleasant to relax in the sunshine and somewhere safe for the children to play.

The Friends of Devon Gardens volunteer group has organised a series of regular residents’ gardening events this year to plant spring bulbs and clear weeds from some of the flower beds, in preparation for the highlight of a Community Party in the Park on Saturday 11 July. Chair of the group John Chapman said,

“We hold events throughout the year to make sure the park stays looking good and we have all ages helping out – from 5 upwards – so it really is something where everyone can become involved. We’d be delighted for more local residents to join us – it’s good exercise, a bit of fresh air and a great chance to meet your neighbours and make new friends!”

Dave Wright (Parks Officer with the Council) has encouraged the Friends group to aim for Green Pennant status – a national award to recognise high quality green spaces that are managed by the local community.

If you’d like to become a member of the Friends group, join in with any of the events or just share our little piece of heaven, you can find out more from our web pages on the Messenger website – https://archive.burngreavemessenger.org.uk/community/friends-of-devon-gardens – or by calling John Chapman on 07860 101 907 or Phil Jakob on 07796 977 856.