More than 1,000 homes have been built in five years at Houlton, Rugby, out of an eventual 6,200 over the duration of the 473ha project. Activation comes in the form of Community Gardens voted on by locals, now with 66 active volunteers, aged 4 to aged 87.

Who is on the project team? (designer, consultants, etc)

The Houlton Project Team at Urban&Civic

Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people.

Houlton’s community gardens are a vivid example of sustainable urban development, harmoniously integrated into a multifaceted recreational and communal space. This project, nestled in an area that also boasts football pitches, table tennis tables, allotments, a yoga lawn, a community centre, and a co-working space, represents a holistic approach to community design, catering to diverse interests and needs. The neighborhood surrounding the gardens is characterized by a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, reflecting a community that values health, wellness, and social interaction. These gardens have become a focal point for residents of various ages, encouraging intergenerational exchange and learning. Children, adults, and seniors come together, sharing knowledge and experiences, thus fostering a strong sense of community. This diverse mix of facilities – from sports to relaxation, gardening to co-working spaces – creates a unique environment that promotes both physical activity and mental well-being. The allotments and community gardens, in particular, underscore the community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. They not only provide an opportunity for residents to grow their own food, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, but also serve as an educational resource on sustainable practices. In this context, the community of Houlton is not just a group of people living in proximity, but a vibrant, engaged, and environmentally conscious collective. The integration of recreational, educational, and communal spaces exemplifies a modern, sustainable neighborhood, one that values and actively promotes the well-being of its residents and the health of the environment.

Please share any data or figures that support your entry, for example increased footfall, happiness surveys, event attendance and/or observed changes in behaviour.

Volunteers who have been involved in planting and maintaining the gardens thus far: 66 - Number of people who voted in the poll: 117, 67% of which went to the winning design - Event attendance throughout all sessions prior to the planting period in May 2023: 109 The introduction of the community gardens in Houlton has led to a positive shift in the behavior of local residents. This change is most vividly seen in the increased traffic and visits to the gardens, a clear indicator of the community’s growing interest and involvement. One of the most notable impacts has been the surge in volunteer participation. 66 residents, aged 4 to aged 87, driven by a keen desire to see the gardens thrive have all played a crucial role in nurturing and maintaining the garden, ensuring its health and vibrancy. Crucially, the gardens have encouraged environmental stewardship through intiatives such as a watering and de-weeding rota, and enhanced the quality of life in Houlton, making them a cherished and integral part of the community. The gardens have become a favored destination for people not just to participate in gardening but also to experience the serene and nurturing environment it offers. It’s not uncommon to see individuals and families strolling through the gardens, sitting down with a book and often stopping to pick some herbs and fruits. This shift towards a more community-oriented and nature-engaged lifestyle highlights the profound impact the gardens have had on the daily lives of the residents.

Did the project make a positive social and environmental contribution? If if it was a temporary intervention, is there a legacy plan? What happened to its tenants, users, materials and programming?

Community building and mental health benefits – those involved didn’t know each other previously were united through the common passion of gardening, cultivation and a desire to support the community. The impactful educational benefits have been seen through a number of seasonal maintenance sessions and workshops, such as winter provisions for bugs and bees. Community gardens are a powerful tool for promoting environmental stewardship and can be a catalyst for more sustainable urban living. Their multifunctional nature addresses many aspects of social welfare and environmental health, making them a valuable addition to any community. By uniting these passionate individuals, we’ve been able to form the Community Gardens Society who activitly support and plan for the gardens consistently. Since its initial planting day in May 2023, Houlton’s Community Gardens have seen a ‘summer picnic,’ the hosting of a summer kids programme to support and introduce a new audience to the wonders of gardening and community cultivation. The Community Gardens Society have also set up a physical ’plant exchange’ and through this donated several strawberry plants to the local primary school, St Gabriel’s CoFE Academy to support with the creation of their school gardens. The most recent intiative included decorating the gardens with a series of elves in prepreation for Christmas. Volunteers came together to create various scenarios and scenes made up of elves, along with props such as sledges, baubles and swings to encourage residents to continue to visit the gardens in December, which notoriously is a dormant month for gardening.