Bedford Place fly-tipping hotspot transformed with new mural

A previously unused green space on Wilton Avenue has been cleared to make way for wildlife.

Tara Hayden, 32, spearheaded the campaign to encourage gardening and ‘connection with neighbours’ in the Bedford Place and Polygon area.

The garden before and after it was cleared (Image: Tara Hayden)

Tara, chair of the newly-formed residents association, said: “A lot of gardens and green spaces here have been covered in concrete, and we wanted to create a space that everyone can garden in.

“We want to promote the idea of nature and gardening in the community.

“The garden is a historically important area, and when I moved here, I had no idea it was here myself.

“The area is a spot for fly-tipping and litter, but we want to create a garden and allotments to improve it.

“It’s become really apparent that we need to know our neighbours and build community connections.

“it is integral to our wellbeing to be involved in something as positive as gardening.”

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Work on clearing the space began last week, with plans in place to plant flowers in the garden after Easter.

But the space has already been brightened up thanks to artist Tom Stewart who has painted an impressive mural.

Tara said: “The mural was the first thing to happen in the garden and it’s really appreciated.

“We have 10 keen gardeners in total and we are organising litter picks as well.

“We have got lots of ambition for the area. We are hoping the community garden will prove to be a community meet-up point.”