Bracknell

Residents from Rainforest Walk worked with Bracknell Forest Council’s visual environment upgrade team to clear up an area of land near their complex in Easthampstead.

The woodland had become littered and was being used for dumping rubbish. So the residents of Rainforest Walk and the upgrade team cleared the rubbish and some of the undergrowth to improve the appearance of the area.

The work supports the Bracknell Flowers campaign, the borough’s annual entry into the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition. Organisers are hoping to repeat the success of recent years, which saw Bracknell Forest receiving the Silver Gilt Award in the Thames and Chiltern in Bloom regional competition.

Rainforest Walk provides a home to 20 young people aged between 16 and 25, who live independently in their own flats. They also have support available 24 hours a day to provide a safe environment where they can learn life skills, pursue training, education and employment.

Rainforest Walk is owned and managed by Look Ahead Housing and Care and Bracknell Council refers young people to the scheme - many of whom have faced difficulties in their lives.

Fiona Nelson, from Look Ahead Housing and Care, said: “We have now created a more pleasant environment for Rainforest Walk’s residents and people living in the surrounding area.

”We hope growing and gardening will provide confidence and skills to our residents - and we are now considering creating a kitchen garden in the grounds.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: “The visual environment upgrade team team works hard to keep Bracknell Forest looking clean and tidy, and we were grateful to have the help of Rainforest Walk residents in improving this area.

“It's good to see residents taking pride in where they live and I hope this project brings Rainforest Walk’s residents closer to their local community.”

Bracknell Forest Council