New pathways at Broadwaters in Kidderminster
The Friends of Broadwaters based in Kidderminster secured just under £50k from Community Spaces in May to create what they called ‘Pleasing Pathways’.
The project aimed to improve access to a sensory garden and encourage people to use the space more.
The group has been keeping people up to date with progress on site via their own blog, see: http://friendsofbroadwaters.blogspot.com/2010/07/work-in-progress.html
They have posted a great piece about the transformation of the old site into new pathways and have shared some of the ‘up’s and down’s’.
Not only are the pathways in place and looking very good, but the crowning glory of the ‘Totem bench’ carved by Nansi Hemmings of Lampeter, has received a rave reception by all visitors and locals who have seen it. It really is a superb piece of art and we are determined to make it last as long as possible by continued applications of preservative oils.
The sensory garden has been planted up and is looking good.
We were so impressed with Nansi Hemming’s work, that we commissioned her to carve two stumps which we had requested to be left for the purpose, by Wyre Forest D.C. parks dept. They too have received nothing but compliments and are a fine addition to the points of interest in the park.
Since beginning this project some eighteen months ago, many lessons have been learned as to how to go about this process, which will stand our group in good stead for the future.
Another plus for the ‘Friends of Brodwaters’ is several new members have joined us, due entirely from witnessing the work that the ‘Friends’ have carried out.
All in all a most worthwhile excerise. Our sincere thanks go to all involved in the Big Lottery fund for the encouragement and help we have received.