Medical firm staff dig in to help create Blyth community garden
A long-neglected patch of land in Blyth is being transformed into a community garden area with the help of volunteers from a North East medical company.
Staff from Peacocks Medical Group have been digging in to help create the Beatrice Community Gardens for local people to enjoy.
It will be earmarked for allotment holders, wheelchair and mobility-scooter users and those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, a disability or people experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Due to open in Spring 2027, the space aims to provide accessible paths, raised beds, sensory and pollinator planting, an orchard, a greenhouse/polytunnel, sheltered seating and a social area.
Eleven staff from the Newcastle-based firm responded to the initiative led by Newsham and New Delaval Allotment and Garden Association.
The team got to work sifting soil, planting and general site improvement, such as barrowing stone and soil, edging, tidying and clearing working areas.
The company has also donated £500 which will be used to buy tools.
Rachel Seller, clinical commercial and HR director at Peacocks Medical Group – which supplies hospitals, clinics and surgeries with specialist - surgical and medical equipment – said: “As a company, we look to partner with charities and organisations that reflect our values and culture, working closely with them to improve their impact on local communities and the environment.
“The Beatrice Community Garden really stood out to us as it’s such an inclusive project which will enhance the local community, providing comfort and wellbeing to all who take advantage of the space.
"It is inspiring to see the result of the efforts of those who took part and we are sure the space will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
David Darbyshire, secretary of Newsham and New Delaval Allotment and Garden Association, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support.
“The idea started in August when the association held the annual potato competition in a car park, which looked lovely and was full of activities and gazebos for young people.
"This was just across the road from the wasteland and that was when the idea came to my mind that we needed to transform it.
“It was a big ask but we are so thankful to the team at Peacocks who gave up their time to help us.”