Green-fingered students get behind regeneration of Accrington PALS memorial garden

Horticultural students have been involved in rejuvenating the town centre Accrington PALS memorial garden.

Five students enrolled on Lancashire Adult Learner’s Level 1 horticultural courses are helping to transform the town. Working in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council, Lindsay Cook, Fran Morgan, Karen Pettitt, Ken Rishton, Raymond Watton and their teacher Tom Butterworth have been helping to plant new trees within the garden – a key green space in the town centre.

They were accompanied by two members of staff from the Council’s Parks Department. Landscaping, including paving and lighting are being updated before the planting phase.

This will include learners from Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL) who are currently on a Level 2 Horticulture course. The students are studying Horticulture at Lancashire Adult Learning.

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The qualifications are designed to provide students with a foundation of key skills and knowledge so they can work independently, progress to further and higher levels of learning, volunteering or employment within the sector.

Sarah Haworth, Head of Curriculum for Horticulture at LAL, said: “It’s a really important, significant space for the people of Accrington – and it has been an honour to play a part in developing this green space. The PALS memorial garden is a fantastic opportunity for learners to get involved in a project that links to the learning also gives back to the community.”

The work is part of a £560,000 project to revitalise the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden in Church Street over two years, paid for with a grant from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The layout is being rejigged, and trees including Acer, Grey Alder, Weeping Birch and English Walnut have been planted.

The scheme aims to create a greener, more inviting space that honours the area’s rich heritage while fostering communal well-being. Besides the landscaping and structural improvements, plans are under way for a new sculpture in the seating area by the Accrington Pals Memorial.

The garden has been a venture led by Hyndburn Borough Council, supported by Accrington Town Centre Greening Group, the Royal British Legion and other partners.

The work is expected to be completed in late spring.