Manor Green Park Group
2003 – Ongoing
The Manor Green Park Group look after the award-winning Manor Green Park and Sensory Garden, located in Selsey (Manor Rd, PO20 0SE). Volunteers meet fortnightly to manage this special green space for wildlife and visitors.
AIMS
To maintain and improve the area for the maximum benefit and enjoyment of people and nature.
BACKGROUND
The area, now known as Manor Green park, was originally given to Selsey Town Council (STC) in 2003, in mitigation for land lost to the development of the adjacent houses and commercial properties. After consultation with Selsey residents, a plan was created to incorporate their wishes and include an environment that would benefit wildlife.
STC drew up an agreement with the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group (MWHG) for the volunteers to create a map of the area, including the requirements set out in the consultation. The Manor Green Park Group was established to develop the park and manage the day-to-day maintenance of the area.
METHODS
The Group maintain the park at least twice a month and undertake the following activities.
Gardening
Regular tasks include weeding, planting, pruning and watering. A variety of plants are used to encourage birds, butterflies, and other insects. The Sensory Garden is thoughtfully designed to enhance the visual, audible and tactile enjoyment of the plants for visitors.
Encouraging Wildlife
Adding and improving wildlife habitats is an ongoing process for the team. The wetland style raingarden, wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and mature trees, are gently managed and often left to grow wild. Volunteers also keep track of wildlife in the park with regular surveys.
RESULTS
The park has undergone a complete transformation since the Group began work on the site, in 2003. The space now embraces wildlife friendly features, such as wildflower meadows, trees, a raingarden, and compost heaps. In 2018, MWHG held a wildlife survey day at the park, where attendees recorded over 100 different types of butterflies, birds, insects, plants, and small mammals.
STC has also supported the installation of a fenced dog walking area, outdoor play equipment, a toddlers’ play area, benches, pathways, and the calming Sensory Garden, which are enjoyed by local residents and visitors to the area.
The Manor Green Park Group have entered the Royal Horticultural Society’s South & South East in Bloom (SSEIB) competition for a number of years, achieving the following awards for their fantastic work.
AWARDS
2009
SILVER GUILT
MANOR GREEN PARK
2009
OUTSTANDING
SENSORY GARDEN
2010
OUTSTANDING
SENSORY GARDEN
2011
OUTSTANDING
SENSORY GARDEN
2012
GOLD
MANOR GREEN PARK
2012
GOLD
SENSORY GARDEN
2014
GOLD
MANOR GREEN PARK
2014
OUTSTANDING
SENSORY GARDEN
2016
GOLD
MANOR GREEN PARK
2016
THRIVING
SENSORY GARDEN
2017
SILVER GUILT
MANOR GREEN PARK
2017
THRIVING
SENSORY GARDEN
In 2009, Manor Green Park also received a Green Pennant and was named Winner of the Special Award for Innovation, by the Green Flag Award.
PARTNERSHIPS & FUNDING
FUNDING
Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group (MWHG)
Funded by your donations, distributed through MWHG.
Provides funding and assistance to this Group for various projects.
SUPPORTERS
Lizard Landscape Design and Ecology
Created the designs for the whole park, including the rain garden and Sensory Garden, and managed its initial development.
DONATE
GET INVOLVED
This project is currently looking for volunteers to fill the following positions:
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Group Leader
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First Aider
The team also need help with general maintenance of the site, such as planting, weeding and watering.
If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please get in touch.
To be notified of upcoming activities from this project, become a volunteer and subscribe to our volunteering opportunities.