Crosby church grounds transformed into a haven thanks to community volunteers and organisations

Oct 23 2008 by Janine Yaqoob, Crosby Herald

Crosby church grounds transformed into a haven thanks to community volunteers and organisations

ST LUKE’S Church grounds have undergone a massive transformation thanks to the hard work of local residents and organisations.

The regeneration of the site off Liverpool Road began back in January 2008, when work on the community garden began.

The award-winning project was partly funded by a £10,000 grant from Breathing Places, a joint initiative of the BBC and National Lottery.

Steve Matthews, St Luke’s coordinator of activities, said: “The community garden has changed a neglected scrap of land into a jewel in the heart of Crosby.

“It is appreciated as a quiet haven for residents, a lunch venue for shop and office workers, and a place to reflect for those visiting the graves of loved ones.

“The garden is distinguished by a 6ft eagle carved from a damaged tree trunk, and three bench seats decorated with birds and animals, carved out of Corsican pine, all carved by Simon O'Rourke who grew up in the local area.”

The grounds project has also won a number of awards. In September 2007 St Luke’s won the Unilever Dragonfly award under the category of ‘best new environmental volunteers’

Then in July 2008 it received the Green Pennant, a national award that recognises high quality green spaces in England and Wales that are managed by voluntary and community groups.

One hundred patrons of Crossroads, an ecumenical cafe in the church grounds, lent their support to the project, and contact was made with local traders, St Luke’s Junior School, Crosby Rotary Club and St Luke’s history group, who all offered their help.

St Luke’s pupils planted shrubs along the boundaries of the front graveyard, and in February pupils from Crosby High and friends from Mencap planted up the boundary with The Bypass.

This was followed in March by a wildlife activity morning when a butterfly garden was planted, bird boxes and feeders were put up and a nature trail was organised around the grounds.

Steve added: “We are delighted that so many people have got involved.

“The bulbs will bring a real splash of colour to our grounds in the spring, and the bog garden and wildflower meadow will be a magnet for wildlife.

“We are grateful to Mersey Basin Campaign for their support.

“This marks another step forward in transforming our grounds for the benefit of the people of Crosby.”