Residents came together in May for a community clean-up day at our Northbourne Estate in Surrey. We worked closely with the Northbourne Action Group to organise the event, which helped build community spirit and pride in the neighbourhood.
Resident, Phoebe Paine shared her experience of the day.
“Residents brought along unwanted household and garden waste for free disposal, and our reuse corner gave good-condition items a new home. A local scrap metal collector kindly helped recycle metal waste responsibly.
There was plenty for children to enjoy too. They took part in a litter pick, with their finds later used to decorate our scarecrow, while members of our children's group, the NAGlets, made eco-pledges and added them to our pledge tree. There was also the "Rot or Not?" decomposition game, plus crafts like salt dough hedgehogs and bug and bee hotels for the community garden.
A real highlight of the day was naming our newly adopted hedgehog. Thanks to a connection with a local wildlife rescue organisation, we're donating to Hydestile Resident Animals and welcoming a rehabilitated hedgehog into our community gardens. After a children's vote, he's been named "Herby" and we can't wait to spot him on his evening adventures.
The Bike Project joined us too, helping residents repair their bikes and showing local children handy maintenance skills like fixing punctures.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along, volunteered, sponsored or lent their support on the day. Together, we're making a real difference to our community and the environment, and a special thank you to Southern Housing staff, who joined in too.”
