Published on 8th June 2011

Local residents creating wildlife on their doorstep

The local wildlife population in Hester's Way is reaping the benefits of Cheltenham Borough Homes' (CBH) extensive makeover of Scott House and Edward Wilson House after the launch of a resident project to improve the wildlife habitats around the properties.

All part CBH's transformational improvements to the area, the Proud to be Green! project was developed after residents said that in addition to the external makeover and improvements to the buildings, they wanted to see wildlife habitats on their doorstep and create a community garden for residents and locals with benches, bird-feeding stations and planted areas. 

Delivered in partnership with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the project covers four training and activity sessions which give residents the opportunity to build log piles, put up bird boxes and feeding stations, plant bulbs and sow wildflower seeds to encourage insects and bees.

Caroline Walker, Head of Community Services at CBH said:"Hester's Way is not an area you would traditionally associate with wildlife but the undertaking of this project has helped us to engage with the community and spark their interest in their local environment. Bringing residents together to achieve a common goal is giving them a sense of pride in and responsibility for the land around their homes whilst also providing a quiet haven for wildlife and local people to enjoy."

Proud to be Green! is all part of the Scott and Edward Wilson House Regeneration Project. Launched in 2010, the project is seeing a large-scale transformation of the area including:

  • new community garden including clothes lines, seating areas, allotment areas and planting beds
  • new trees
  • new cycle stores and bin stores
  • improvements to the perimeter security
  • separation of the communal walkways to make each block secure
  • repairs to the concrete balconies
  • reinstatement of vehicle access onto Oldbury Road and Hester's Way Road

Work has been progressing well with the finishing touches to Scott House almost complete and work now beginning on Edward Wilson House. The physical improvement works carried out by Mansell Construction and Halsall Construction will be completed later on this summer.

Notes for editors

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is a countywide charity which manages 60 nature reserves, covering over 2,500 acres and educates over 3,000 school children every year. Its aim is to secure a natural environment which the people of Gloucestershire and visitors can enjoy for generations to come. Local membership numbers almost 25,000 people, with 350 regular volunteers giving their time to support the Trusts work. Visit www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk

Cheltenham Borough Homes:

  • CBH is one of the top rated ALMOs (Arms Length Management Organisations) in the country. ALMOs are not for profit companies that run social housing services for their local council.
  • Currently CBH manage and maintain around 5,000 tenant and leasehold properties with an overall satisfaction level of 85%, placing them in the top ten ALMOs nationally 
  • The organisation's approach to community development and participation; governance and equality and diversity has been recognised as good practice nationally
  • CBH continue to develop excellent services by working closely with customers.  It will include building new homes and continuing to regenerate communities whilst tackling issues of worklessness and addressing social enterprise

For further information visit: www.cheltborohomes.org

Press contact: Catherine Best e: [email protected] t: 01242 775317