A new community-led garden project is showcasing the power of collaboration. Children’s Gardening Coach and former Blue Peter presenter Lee Connelly has continued his partnership with Manningtree (Essex) developer City & Country and its longstanding charity partner, Acorn Village, who provides care, support and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
Residents of Acorn Village worked alongside Lee Connelly to design and plant elements of the show home garden at Manningtree Park. Building on their shared commitment to community engagement and wellbeing, Lee was supported by residents of Acorn Village to co-design the show home garden. Through a series of workshops residents contributed ideas, selected plants and helped shape the overall result.
Alice Stutter, Head of Maintenance and Deputy CEO of Acorn Village comments: “Witnessing our residents at Acorn Village taking part in this project has been incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with Lee Connelly and City & Country has given everyone involved a real sense of pride and achievement, while the opportunity to contribute creatively to such a beautiful space has been so meaningful for all of us at Acorn Village.”
The project culminated in a collaborative planting day, where the residents and Lee brought the garden to life together, creating a blooming, welcoming outdoor space. The initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration to create opportunities for people of all abilities to contribute, create and learn together.
Lee Connelly, the Children’s Gardening Coach, adds: “This project marks the second phase of an ongoing collaboration with City & Country. Working alongside the residents of Acorn Village has shown just how powerful gardening can be in bringing people together, building confidence and creating something truly meaningful.”
Michael Burt, Sales Director at City & Country, concludes: “At City & Country, we have supported Acorn Village for many years, and bringing them on board for this campaign with Lee Connelly has been a fantastic continuation of that relationship. This project perfectly reflects our commitment to creating inclusive communities, bringing people together to create something special at Manningtree Park.”
Currently available at Manningtree Park are a selection of apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom homes. Prices start from £222,500 for a one-bedroom first floor apartment.
For more information about Manningtree Park, call 01206 598 204, or visit www.manningtreepark.co.uk. To see more new homes from City & Country visit www.cityandcountry.co.uk.
Lee Connelly and Acorn Village Member