At Fishergate Hill Surgery, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust's School Grounds and Myplace teams worked together to create an outdoor space that would offer both staff and patients of the surgery some much needed respite in the fresh air.

The picnic bench is surrounded by flower beds and trellis where a variety of plants provided by Myplace, were planted to attract butterflies and bees. Originally, Myplace participants were to assist in planting the flowers but unfortunately due to the current situation with COVID-19 they were unable to do so. 

In this space, staff can enjoy their lunch and hold meetings outside in a private, quiet setting. A week since completing the job, Camille, Operations Manager at the surgery contacted us to let us know that the space was very much appreciated and was already being well used by staff. The space also welcomes patients who can wait for their appointments in a calm and natural space; promoting an appreciation for the surrounding wildlife along with improving wellbeing by spending more time outdoors.

Myplace Senior Project Officer, Jenny, says: “The idea of this project was always for Myplace and the School Grounds team to work in partnership to improve this space for the staff and patients of Fishergate Surgery. It has been a shame that we couldn’t involve our Myplace participants in the work due to COVID 19 but we are looking forward to using the space in the future to showcase the benefits of Ecotherapy to the patients of the surgery and encourage new referrals to our Preston hubs.”

The potential for similar co-produced community projects is great and the Myplace team are well placed to identify new green spaces in need of a natural wellbeing makeover by the dedicated and hard-working School Grounds team.

Find out more about the vital work of our School Grounds and Myplace teams by visiting their webpages.