The residents of Bottesford village had wanted to improve the piece of waste land adjacent to the station for many years. We attended some parish meetings and it was decided that a community garden would best suit the space. Funding was secured and working in partnership with The Bee Friendly Trust and Vale of Belvior Lions Club the local school was approached to submit some garden designs. After permissions were granted by East Midlands Railway and Network Rail, work started on the mammoth task of clearing the site; this involved many working parties which revealed a building in need of renovation. The building was re-roofed providing a space for the adopters and a school education space; along with toilet facilities.
Flower beds filled with bee friends plants were created; along with a pathway, green house, compost bin and pond.
The local Beaver cubs group made bug hotels which are scattered around the garden and the partnership commissioned information boards which detailed the gardens development and bee friendly information; which are now displayed in the building. The public were asked to name the garden in a poll and “Bottesford Friendly Garden” was chosen.

The garden achieved 1st place in the “Most enhanced station building and surrounds” category of the 2019 Community Rail Awards. The garden was officially open by Her Grace, the Duchess of Rutland in June 2019.

Work continues at the garden and you can follow the progress on our Bottesford station adoption page