Monday 8th May was ‘The Big Help Out’ as part of the coronation celebrations – as a local business we at GP Garden Services wanted to do our bit.

We contacted a local Scout Group in Enfield to find out if they needed any help with some maintenance of their grounds. After initial discussions it was clear that they really needed some help to build a formal outdoor learning space for the group’s 150+ young people, leaders and parents.

An area within the grounds of their site was decided upon and cleared by some of their older Scouts and Explorer Scouts. We surveyed, designed and marked out the space with the group.

Once the plan was agreed, we contacted some of our local suppliers who happily helped with supplying the materials needed. Materials for the build were provided by Aylwards of Crews Hill, Thompsons of Crews Hill and Ashlyns Garden Centre.

On the 8th of May, the big help out day,  GP Garden Services sent 3 of their landscaping teams to the site loaded with tools and materials, with the aim to tackle the whole project in 1 day!

The table and benches were all constructed using new oak railway sleepers which were cut, bolted together and sunk into the ground – they were then routed, sanded and oiled.

The picket fence and gate was constructed to keep the area enclosed and protected from normal site activities. As the site is surrounded and covered by mature trees, we have planned to wait for next year’s leaf fall so they can be collected and laid to commence a leaf floor covering. Shade loving plants were planted to surround the area to hopefully establish and mature, this will give the area a more secluded feel in the years to come.

It was a huge challenge to construct the whole area but with a big team effort, including some extra help from willing volunteers from the Scout Group and a fair amount of tea and biscuits the project was complete! Since the build, the group area has already made use of the learning space during a recent camping weekend. 

Jeremy Webb, company director said ‘We all really enjoyed the experience and hope many young people get the chance to experience and learn within the area. Thank you to everyone that came together to help our local scout group!’