One of our main projects has been adopting the Triangle – a neglected space on the corner of Hermitage Street and Francis Street – to transform this triangular corner into a ‘pocket garden’. The multiple benefits of establishing a natural oasis in the midst of our streets include offering a respite from the hurly-burly of daily urban life for the many passers-by and residents of the area, which has a positive impact on health and wellbeing. It is also hoped to foster a stronger sense of community spirit.

We held ‘Cake and Consultation’ events to get local people involved in the design, and successfully applied for funding through a Community Pride grant to fund the work. Work started in December 2018, when a team of 27 intrepid volunteers tackled snow, sleepers and a lot of topsoil over three days. Three new raised beds were built and over 1000 daffodil bulbs were planted by local residents and children on New Year’s Day.

The next phase was to plant it as a fragrant, colourful, bee- and butterfly-friendly cottage garden and choose a design for an additional planter for the corner of the garden – see the latest updates here.

NARA have been running litter picks along the Bath Road and surrounding streets since November 2017, thanks to the generosity of Bath Road businesses who funded the purchase of 10 sets of litter picking equipment and Cheltenham Specsavers who donated 20 high-vis jackets.

Litter picks are held on the second Sunday in every month, meeting at 10.30am at The Triangle (corner of Hermitage Street and Francis Street). All volunteers are very welcome.