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The vision and energy behind bringing Ravelin Park back to life as a precious resource for the city has been praised by judges in the South and South East in Bloom competition. The park has undergone a complete transformation from waste-ground to stunning green space under the guidance of Tony Davis, head of campus environment at the University of Portsmouth, and his efforts were rewarded with three prizes in the regional competition this week. Once undergrowth and weeds hid both tramps who lived in the park and the historic Ravelin House, used by General Montgomery during World War II. But after six years of hard work judges said the park was now a "great credit to Tony Davis who has managed to get the park to its excellent state through obtaining funding and working with English Landscape". Removing panelled fencing and replacing it with open fencing meant vandalism had stopped and judges said the park was now a "lovely area" for the entire community. In addition, they praised the fact the gates to the park had been designed by children, that the flowerbeds were beautiful, and the benches made from recycled material were 'green' and indestructible. The 'green' credentials of the sedum roof on the library which recycles rainwater to be used to flush toilets in the library also won praise. As did the fact honey made by bees from the hives in the park is now sold at local farmers' markets. The park has won a clutch of awards since Mr Davis started work on it but these latest prizes were against stiff region-wide competition. The park's latest awards are 'outstanding' in the 'neighbourhoods with over 1,000 people' section and two discretionary prizes; the Community Action Award for the involvement of nearly 1,000 local school children in the nature trail and other community and university activities; and the Waterwise Award for the sedum roof on the library and using grey water for the library toilets. Mr Davis said: "Five years ago the area was completely overgrown and closed off to the community. I am delighted at the transformation and it is a joy to have helped bring the park back to life. "The judges praised the fact Ravelin Park is in the city centre and open to all and used by so many people. It is wonderful to see the park's restoration recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society." Plans for the future of the park include planting trees that are native, drought-resistant and possibly endangered with the long-term aim being to promote conservation for the next 100 years. News Source: http://www.port.ac.uk |
