North Meols

The Civic Society’s Garden

The North Meols Civic Society has it’s own garden situated between 185-187 Cambridge Road, Churchtown, Southport. The garden consists of two sections: the front area has flower beds and shrubs; the rear area has a wild flower meadow, grass and a small pond.

Although it is a private garden it is maintained for the pleasure of everyone and visitors are very welcome. Many people take advantage of this haven, either during a break from work or whilst shopping in the village.

History

The land is owned by the Hesketh Estate and is leased to the Society. Originally the site of an ancient orchard and also the line of the track to Sally’s Farm. The garden was formally opened in 1992 as the Society’s contribution to Southport’s Bicentenary celebrations. The gardens were officially opened by the Mayor Sefton on 21st June 1996.

The garden project began in 1990. During the initial setting up of the garden area money, advice and practical help were received from a variety of sources including Stanley High School, Shell Oil, Hamilton Oil, the Peterhouse Autistic Society/Radnor Drive Nurseries and the Merseybasin Campaign.

In 2008 with the help of a grant from the Council the gardens were extensively remodelled. Later in the same year the garden was judged as the best community garden in Sefton as part of the Britain in Bloom Competition.

Many individuals have made contributions including memorial seats and trees.

Children from the nearby Nursery and Playgroup use the garden as an educational facility. They have a small flower bed which they look after, use the pond for pond dipping to study pond creatures and also help to feed the birds.

The society has also linked up with a local group The Growing Business, a work based training project supporting adults with learning disabilities into employment and has bases at Park Lodge greenhouses on Rotten Row, Southport.

The students help to keep the garden tidy and also cut the grass. They also provide plants for the garden.

Both the students from The Growing Business and members of the Society are working closely with Churchtown Primary School in their garden and environment projects which include learning how to grow their own fruit and vegetables. This then leads on to “Healthy Eating” projects.

The Wild Flower Area

The original large pond has been filled in and a wild flower area developed. This gives an added interest and provides seeds for the wild birds. The latest addition had been a willow feature of the school crossing keeper.