Community garden showcases pride in Shipdham, Norfolk

Su Buckle, Linda Berry and Trevor Jones have given a facelift to Park Estate in Shipdham, near Dereham, enhancing its appeal with a vegetable patch, flower beds, paved areas and outdoor furniture.

Mrs Buckle, 56, said: “It used to be an unused area.

"There’s been a lot of hard work put in and now it’s looking beautiful and inviting.”

Park Estate, Shipdham villager Trevor Jones working in the veggie patch (Image: Flagship Group)

Most of the surrounding homes are owned by Flagship Group and managed by Victory Homes.

Victory supported the transformation by supplying a bin, planters, and benches.

Joe McNeill, Victory’s neighbourhood operations manager, said: “Su, Linda and Trevor have done a fantastic job.

"At Flagship, we’re all about creating sustainable communities, so it’s great to see our tenants improve their neighbourhood to benefit everyone.”

Su Buckle, left, and Linda Berry at the community garden in Park Estate, Shipdham (Image: Flagship Group)

Mrs Buckle, also a member of the group Friends of Park Estate Green, revealed the rejuvenation effort included planting 24 pink and white flowering cherry blossoms.

Both the parish council and Watton Rotary Club also provided financial assistance.

An additional green-fingered bonus comes from Trevor Jones, 76, who cultivates various vegetables and fruits.

He intends to sell the produce and donate the proceeds to a local Scout group.

Su Buckle with the stone in Park Estate, Shipdham (Image: Flagship Group)

The parish council, led by chair Samantha Shelley, granted £500 towards the project and allowed Friends to oversee the green.

Mrs Shelley said: “The enthusiasm and effort that the group have put into making the garden a truly lovely place to spend time for all, are testament to the community spirit that we celebrate within the village.”

With Shipdham being almost two miles long, it bears the title ‘Norfolk’s longest village.