VOLUNTEERS have been sprucing up a park after securing funding for the scheme.

Volunteer Centre Dorset chose St. John’s Park Garden on Dorchester Road in Weymouth and since May community groups and volunteer teams have been actively working with the council to improve the park for all.

With the help of students from Budmouth College, a recycling theme was created and launched via a ‘welcome-all’ open day.

During the event a local artist helped facilitate stone painting and created bug and wildlife boxes for flower beds.

At a later stage, decorative features will be added to existing plinths.

The project also offered storytelling to local children, members of residential homes and day centres.

The site will be maintained by the regular gardener, helped by the Green Fingers Volunteers who meet on Fridays between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Local residents and volunteers provide essential watering and upkeep of the small vegetable plots. The environmental ethos of the garden will be enhanced by creating a small range of wildlife habitats including bird, and hedgehog boxes.

Project Co-ordinator Siobhan Davis said: “All the volunteers have been fantastic and we are grateful for the support of local residents including the Park public house for their support and use of their facilities during the project”.

“On July 13 we held a BBQ and provided Tripudo exercises and art sessions. Many passers-by expressed their interest and it is heartening to know our work is being appreciated.

“Together with Weymouth Town Council, work on the park will continue so that we can maintain a lovely, inclusive area for all to enjoy.

“Our last event will take place on Saturday, September 14, in St John’s Terrace Gardens, Dorchester Road (opposite the Park public house) from 11.00 am onwards.”

If you would like to join in, or receive further information, please contact the Volunteer Centre Dorset or Siobhan Davis on 01305 269214 or 07918639014.