Work has begun on a new wildflower garden at Walsall Manor Hospital to be enjoyed by patients, families and staff.
The area, near the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre, is being transformed into a haven thanks to a £11,487 grant from Natural England, which was secured by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity.
It is hoped the wildflower meadow will give the area a more natural, relaxed feel and attract pollinating insects and other wildlife.
Joe Chadwick-Bell, Group Chief Executive, attended today’s opening event where she was shown around the garden and met some of the staff and volunteers working on the project.
The development also consists of the transformation of the staff memorial garden at the hospital which is currently underway.
Melissa Underwood, Land and Environment Manager for Groundwork West Midlands, who is leading the project, said: “I am really excited that we have started taking the turf up and clearing the site ready for our wildflower meadow.
“It will really make a fantastic community space as well as provide an environment for cross-pollinators.
“We all know that nature and wellbeing fit together and the hope is this can be used by patients and visitors alike.”
Joe added: “This is a really great opportunity to make the most of the green space we have available within the site for our community, staff and patients.
“It is great to have a lovely wellbeing space within the hospital and I can’t wait to see the end result this summer.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare, said: “Well Wishers is really proud to be working alongside Groundwork and Natural England on this project. I can’t wait to see the area develop and look forward to seeing the wildflower garden bloom.
Staff volunteers are still being sought to help shape the internal courtyard garden — from ripping out old plants and vegetation to building raised beds, creating the willow arbour, assembling garden furniture, and planting the new greenery.
Drop-in sessions for staff to get involved are held every Wednesday from 10am until 3pm at the internal courtyard garden.
Potential volunteers who already support Walsall Healthcare or staff who want to contribute ideas to the garden project are asked to email Melissa.Underwood@groundwork.org.uk