Environmental improvement projects are a big part of the work our Neighbourhood and Estates team carry out. These projects are identified in several ways, including during neighbourhood check-ins, from enquiries raised by residents or partner agencies, or suggestions fromcolleagues across Havebury.
They range from practical improvements, like making better use of limited parking, through to changes in bin store areas to reduce issues such as fly-tipping and side waste. We also support initiatives, like the wildflower project earlier this year.
Once the wildflower areas were complete, a new idea began to grow. By October, that idea had bloomed into the start of our autumn bulb-planting project.
Led by Louise Whatley, head of housing, the initiative has brought fresh energy to our environmental work. Louise explains more about how it all came together.
“It began as a spontaneous idea. Each year, the estate ranger team will take on at least one larger-scale initiative that goes beyond our usual improvements, bringing together a wider mix of internal and external stakeholders.
These projects not only enhance our environment but also build community engagement that lasts year after year.
We’ve already had some great successes. Our fly-tipping poster campaign with Tollgate School turned a persistent issue into a community-led message that encouraged residents to take pride in their surroundings. Then came the wildflower areas. Residents helped identify spaces where nature was already thriving, especially around the bee orchids, and the sign-making competition brought creativity and ownership into the mix.
From there came the bulb-planting idea. Plant bulbs in woodland and grassed areas now and, by spring, those spaces will burst into colour and life.”
Bulb planting plays an important role in how we care for our green spaces. The bulbs support pollinators like bees and butterflies, improve biodiversity and add beautiful seasonal colour to areas that can look a little tired over winter. Once planted, they return year after year, offering a long-lasting, low-maintenance boost to our neighbourhoods.
We have also loved involving our communities. Local cubs and beavers joined our team to help plant bulbs and learn more about looking after nature. Their enthusiasm brought a brilliant sense of local pride to the project, and we cannot wait for them to see the results in spring.
Estate ranger, Rich, got stuck in during a planting session in Bury St Edmunds. He said:
“I think it’s important to show children how important it is to have that community feel where you live, and simple ways you can show you care. I want to share that passion and show that even the little things can make a big difference. I had a great time with the cubs and beavers planting the bulbs, and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.”
Looking ahead, our estate rangers are already exploring ideas for future environmental improvements in 2026 and beyond. Plans are still growing, yet one thing is certain, we will continue to focus on projects that make a lasting difference to the communities and green spaces we all enjoy.
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