Students create community garden on trade estate

Diploma students from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have transformed "an overgrown and unloved" section of Surrey industrial estate into a community garden.

The space is the latest addition to Lockwood Studios, a creative hub based on the site of a former day centre on the 100-acre (40 hectare) Slyfield trading estate, near Guildford.

The team was tasked with creating a haven that promoted links to nature, conversation, relaxation, healthy lifestyles and positive activities.

Craig Hills, co-manager of the studios, said: "Everyone here has been blown away by the students' achievements."

Hills added: "Just one week before it was an overgrown and unloved area, but the transformation has brought it in line with the vision we have for this place."

He praised the designs of student Caroline Mantell for "creating areas that can be used practically in so many ways, as well as having corners for the flora and fauna to develop and thrive".

"A huge thank you to the RHS team and everyone who made it possible," he added.

Other facilities at the studios, which provides a diverse programme of arts, events and well-being activities, include a music school, boxing gym, exhibition space, cafe, meeting spaces and workshop areas.

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