News / bedminster
South Bristol Berry Maze goes from strength to strength
After hitting its crowdfunding target earlier this year, Bedminster-based community project the Berry Maze has started work earlier than initially anticipated.
The bid to regenerate a neglected ‘tip’ in South Bristol by transforming it into a community asset was flooded with support and donations totalling £3,800, plus funds and help from various companies and organisations.
Work has now got underway and the maze has been making outstanding progress, with volunteers coming together at very short notice for two consecutive weekends to cut weeds back and jet wash a large concrete slab in the centre of the site.
is needed now More than ever
Alas, the block was in far worse condition than originally thought and the cost of repairs threatened to bankrupt the project, before local brickwork company Archway stepped in and kindly covered the amount needed.
The concrete block threatened to bankrupt the project
Work on the maze commences in early September with mowing and ploughing, and will continue every Saturday.
Volunteers are sought to join in a litter-picking effort on Saturday, September 2, from 10am to 12pm, in order to clear the freshly mowed area and neighbouring park.
Saturday, September 9 sees Bristol Doors Open Day come to the project, and volunteers will be contouring the maze with bamboo canes and putting up pictures where the berries will one day be, before games and activities take centre stage.
Featuring on the day will be a colossal chalk design, which has been constructed thanks to local artist Ollie Gillard and children from Parson Street and Victoria Park Schools.
Everyone is more than welcome to come along and freshly made cakes and berries will be awaiting visitors.
Yet more work will be taking place on Saturday, September 16, when 850 square metres of the area will be covered in mulch, and volunteers, especially those living nearby, are asked to bring wheelbarrows and shovels if possible.
Saturday, September 23 sees wooden posts creating a permanent outline to the maze, and replacing the bamboo canes, and the following Saturday, planters are going to be filled with gravel, compost and top soil.
Plus, wire will be stretched on posts to encourage the gooseberries, blackberries and rare fruits, such as tayberries to grow. Every event is child friendly and all ages are very welcome.
Early work to clear the site
Get involved in volunteering with the Berry Maze by emailing yourberrymaze@gmail.com or donate via: www.spacehive.com/the-berry-maze
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
