A GROUP of community gardeners were awarded £250 from Wessex Water for helping transform a barren patch of rubbish and brambles in Chippenham into a thriving garden.

The Ivy Wildlife Garden group received the money from the Waterworks scheme on Tuesday following their hard work into transforming the overgrown patch into a sanctuary for people, birds and wildlife.

"When we first decided that we were going to make a garden from scratch the biggest problem was what sort of garden?," Deryck Hanchett, the secretary of the Ivy Wildlife Garden team, said. "“We took advice from GreenSquare and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and decided to make it into a wildlife garden both for residents, the vast majority who live in flats with no gardens, and also for wildlife.

"So there are seating areas, flower planters to attract butterflies and bees, and some undergrowth where hedgehogs and other creatures can hide. It has made such a difference to the estate and is a pleasure to visit.

"Everything in the garden has been made from recycled material, including nesting boxes, picnic tables and benches. Our Watermark Award will help us buy new wood chips for the paths which we need to replace after three years wear and tear.”