Can Do Solent: Part three

January blues were nowhere to be seen as Portsmouth College launched into their Building Communities programmes.

Aspire and Horizon classes have now taken part in eight sessions, which included carrying out a much needed pond survey, a garden design workshop with Thrive, construction of beautiful wooden planters and a visits to their local community garden for a spot of inspiration!

Blossoming partnerships

Working with Men’s Shed Copnor, the Baffins Pond Association and Thrive has helped to develop the project at pace and allowed us to tap into local knowledge, expertise and valuable training opportunities.

Can Doers are very much looking forward to learning some horticultural skills when Ann Moss of Harbourside (National Garden Scheme) and Tracey Jones of the Stacey Community Garden (Portsmouth City Council) visit Portsmouth College later this month. 

Ideas fountain

Some brilliant ideas were generated during the training workshop with Thrive.

Popular suggestions included a wood-fired pizza oven, replacing trees that were removed due to disease four years ago and the introduction of new seating and shelter so lessons can be moved outdoors.

There’s also been lots of discussion around recycling. Students would like to encourage the college community to compost food waste and introduce more recycling bins within the garden.

They plan to raise awareness of this initiative as the project progresses. 

Friendly habitats

Portsmouth College are also exploring the opportunity to work with the city council to encourage more insects and wildlife.

An insect friendly nature trail is being created from the north to the south of the city and Can Doers are really keen to link up to this project and introduce bug friendly habitats within the new community garden.

Plans are already in place to create bug hotels and bird feeding stations using recycled materials, after being inspired by the variety on display at Baffins Pond community garden.