Originally published 3 March 2004

Seven volunteers and five professional landscape gardeners from the University of Warwick are set to descend on Coventry's Canley Library to carry out a Ground Force-style garden makeover on Sunday 7th of March 2004 from 10.30am-4.00pm.

The project, run jointly between Warwick Volunteers, which encourages staff and students to undertake voluntary work in the community, and the University of Warwick's Estates team, will rejuvenate the area around the library, which is in urgent need of attention and an overhaul.

The library's grounds are currently in a bog-like state, completely overgrown and unusable. The readymade gardening workforce of staff and students is set to put plans into action with their donation of time and effort.

Jamie Darwen, Project Manager of Warwick Volunteers, University of Warwick said: “The University of Warwick's own landscape gardeners, who came to professionally assess the library grounds suggested some great plans including a new path, landscaping, new turf, new shrub beds and two trees. The residents of Canley will now be able to access the library safely and look forward to more pleasing grounds.”

“This is an opportunity to make a real difference and return something to the local community.”

A new fence will also be added to the grounds to ensure security. The makeover is set to create attractive landscaping, so that residents can easily and safely walk to the library, and enjoy the grounds.

The project draws on the enthusiasm of student volunteers and the expertise of the university's landscape gardeners to bring direct benefits to Coventry communities, and forges stronger links with local people.

Canley Library, at Prior Deram Walk, Canley has over 30,000 visits a year from local people and has computers, books, information and DVDs.

Warwick Volunteers provides opportunities for over 1000 students and staff at the university to volunteer and help disadvantaged groups. Staff and students take part in diverse projects to make a difference to the local environment and tackle social concerns such as crime and anti-social behaviour, poverty, illiteracy and social exclusion.

For more information please contact:

Jamie Darwen,
Project Manager of Warwick Volunteers,
University of Warwick,
Tel: 02476 572 821

Jenny Murray,
Communications Office,
University of Warwick,
Tel: 02476 574 255,
Mobile: 07876 21 7740