Calne Pocket Park, Wiltshire

We provided Calne Pocket Park with a grant to install tree planters made from recycled plastic and buy a brand new water butt. John Boaler, Chair of the park, explains how it benefits the local area.

Tell us about the park

John: "Calne Pocket Park is an outdoor community space enhanced with tree planters and a dozen standard planters. It was set up six years ago, and the concept came from a local resident who was the first Chair of the Pocket Park and is still very much involved.

"The park is now an award-winning Green Flag Award community space, which is a benchmark for parks and green spaces, managed by volunteers. The park has many dedicated volunteers who keep it colourful and attractive from early spring to late autumn."

How has our grant helped?

John: "The Environment Fund grant has been put towards the purchase and installation of new tree planters, which are made from recycled plastic and have very large reservoirs.

"As there is no water supply at the park, we have one barrel which is used as a water butt, which collects rainwater from the roof of our gardening shed. The grant will also enable us to have a second water butt to collect more rainwater.

John Boaler, Chair of Calne Pocket Park sat on a bench with his new tree planters in the background.
John sat on a bench with his new tree planters in the background.

What is the park used for?

John: "There is a lot of seating here, so many people stop by to meet friends. The park volunteers also organise a variety of free community events and activities at the park, such as family activity mornings and music on some Sunday afternoons during the summer months.

"Our volunteers also run a 'pop-up cafe' where they offer drinks and homemade cakes, in return for donations. Last year, we also installed a 'little library' which is very popular."