Improving greenspaces

The Barnwell Verge: Seeds of Hope project is a community-driven response to environmental degradation and public safety along Barnwell Road in Cambridge. Sparked by a local young person’s idea, the initiative is transforming a compacted grass verge into a thriving, biodiverse green corridor. 

Abbey People, Teasels Biodiverse Design, and Hurdy Gurdy Glass have been working with the community to improve a problem area on Barnwell Road, to help stop parking on the verge, encourage wildlife, integrate art and nature, and build relationships in the community. 

The new 500+m2 pocket garden on Rayson Way, and 250m long ‘river’ of woodland plants along Barnwell Road mirrors and run parallel to Coldham’s Brook, adding another layer of greenspace for pollinators in a densely built area. The project has greatly improved habitats for invertebrates and pollinators, captured pollution particulates, improved drainage and water cycling, improved soil formation, and safeguarded the existing trees which are currently suffering from soil compaction. 

Through the continuing maintenance activities, the project continues to support residents taking the lead in reclaiming and rewilding urban spaces to benefit people and planet. 

Seeds of Hope isn’t just about beautifying a verge; it’s about growing a culture of care for the environment that will last for generations. 

Upcoming work days

We will be running a range of planting and gardening activities throughout the year in the new Rayson Way pocket garden and along Barnwell Verge. Check out our events page for more details.

Volunteers

Our volunteer work days are a great way to learn about conservation and get to know the nature in our area a bit better.