Looking after our homes isn’t only about bricks, buildings and repairs. We also want to support the people who live in our communities and help create places where residents can connect, feel involved and enjoy where they live. 

Our Community Investment and Social Value team works with residents, local organisations, contractors and volunteers to help make this happen. From improving shared outdoor spaces to creating opportunities for people to meet, learn new skills and support their wellbeing, the team looks at ways we can make a positive difference to everyday life in our communities. 

At Westwood Acres, one community gardening project shows just how much can change in a year. 

A year of growing together 

A year ago, a patch of grass at Westwood Acres was an untapped opportunity for a creative community space. Residents began working together on a garden and woodland project, with the aim of bringing people together, helping to tackle antisocial behaviour and creating a better environment for everyone. 

Today, the difference isn’t just visible in the garden. Residents now regularly come together to plant, weed, water the trees and look after the space. 

For one resident, the project has even changed their relationship with TCH: 

“This [project] has changed the way I think of Town & Country Housing”. 

The latest community gardening day brought residents together once again to tidy the flower bed, plant new flowers, weed the gravel pathway and check on the trees. 

Thanks to residents helping with watering throughout the year, the trees have had a fantastic survival rate. One young resident proudly told us: 

“I come out here every day to look after them!” 

More than just gardening 

The project is also helping nature return to the area. Children have been excited to discover worms, beetles, mushrooms, bees, white and red butterflies and even four dragonflies. 

But perhaps just as importantly, the sessions give people a reason to spend time outside together, chat to their neighbours and enjoy doing something positive for the place they call home. 

Joshua, a therapeutic horticulturist who helps facilitate the project, said: 

“I have tremendous fun coming and doing these sessions.” 

And our younger residents had plenty to say about their experience too: 

“The best part was planting plants.” 

“I liked ripping out the plants!” (Weeding…) 

“It was fun. I have the skills to do gardening because my mum does it with me at home too.” 

After a busy day, there was a perfectly timed visit from the local ice cream van, giving everyone a chance to cool down, relax and chat together. 

What’s growing next? 

The project isn’t stopping here. Over the next few months, children will design a sign for the space, which volunteers at Broadstairs Town Shed will help bring to life. 

Residents and Communigrow are also planning bulb planting around the estate, pumpkin carving in October and more tree planting in November. 

And Westwood Acres is just one example of this work. Our Community Investment and Social Value team is working with Communigrow, contractors, colleagues and volunteers to organise more community tree planting in West Kent and Epsom.