Sidmouth in Bloom has begun its project to turn to ‘wasted area’ into a social space and garden for all ages.

Sidmouth Herald: Ben Cruickshank from CGS gets to work chopping down tired trees and shrubs.Ben Cruickshank from CGS gets to work chopping down tired trees and shrubs. (Image: Archant)

Work is under way to transform Sidmouth’s Old Boat Park into a social area and garden for all ages.

Sidmouth in Bloom received £10,000 from a Tesco scheme to revamp the plot and its remaining five raised beds.

The group had already been awarded grants from the Royal Horticultural Society and garden centre chain Wyevale to get started on three of the beds - but Tesco’s support should take the project through to completion.

On Monday, volunteers were helped by a team from CGS to chop back overgrown trees and shrubs.

Lynette Talbot, Sidmouth in Bloom chairman, said the next stage would be to remove and replace six inches of topsoil before planting could take place.

She added: “It was a wasted area. It was totally under-used. I hope it can be a social area for all ages so that people can do thinks like picnics.

“We’re hoping that everyone will appreciate and respect the work we are doing.”

The finished beds will continue the group’s sensory garden theme, allowing visitors to tap into their five senses.

Sidmouth in Bloom hopes to hold a planting session at the Old Boat Park in May.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Lynette on 01395 578081 or email info@ sidmouthinbloom.org.