News

Court Lodge gets a green makeover!

21 October 2011

A community orchard, a small allotment and a seating area to enjoy climbing plants and flowers are now in Court Lodge Road thanks to Raven Housing Trust staff and residents who took part in the Court Lodge Green Space Project.

Raven invested in and developed the Green Space Project to enhance the green areas on Court Lodge Road for Horley residents as part of Raven's commitment to environmental sustainability and developing communities where people want to live. The area already had an established orchard of apple and pear trees but was overgrown and there were no areas to grow food. Raven staff and residents, in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust, cleared brambles and weeds, planted native plants and climbing plants on the walls and created three beautiful natural wood seats and three raised beds.

Peter Norris, Raven's community housing manager for Horley, said, "This project has meant we could greatly enhance this green space, making it easier for residents living there to use and enjoy the area. We hope that it will encourage them to use or even grow some of their own food while at the same time building in some wildlife-friendly areas."

Claire Lipop, Raven's head of environmental sustainability added:

"Raven has a good track record of developing green spaces. We won a Sustainable Housing Award for a community orchard in Merstham in 2010, and worked with Surrey Wildlife Trust to plant a second community orchard in Preston, a communal allotment in Redhill and a wildlife garden in Merstham. We are really pleased to have had the opportunity to work with people in Horley to develop something that many others can benefit from." 

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