Chester's new postcode gardener

Chester has officially hired its new postcode gardener, becoming the first city North of London to do so.

Charlotte Houghton, who lives in the Garden Quarter has been appointed over some fantastic candidates. The former English teacher who has always had a passion for the outdoors said, "I'm so excited to be hired as Chester's Postcode Gardener, I'm so proud to live in such a wonderful city, and now I've got an opportunity to help the community to beautify as many green spaces as we can over the next year!"

Despite another lockdown and the dreary winter weather she has made a positive start, with several projects already underway in both Newtown and Water Tower Gardens.

Helen Tandy, volunteer coordinator for Chester FoE, said: “It’s been a tough year for many, we completed the fundraising in March and decided in September that it was time at last to advertise the role.

It has been fantastic seeing Charlotte get stuck in with her ‘Pot Donation Project’ already cheering up the areas in CH1”

Charlotte's main goal over the next year will be getting as many people outdoors as possible; she is an untiring advocate for gardening to help improve mental health and wellbeing, but also has a focus on increasing community gardening. She wants to grow and harvest fruits and vegetables that everyone can enjoy.

She said, "Unfortunately, too many families are going hungry, and with recent events it has highlighted just how important having a supportive community truly is. Hopefully within the next year, we can start creating some invaluable green spaces which benefit all those in need."

You can find Charlotte around CH1 areas on a Thursday and Friday morning, follow her on Instagram @postcodegardenerCH1 and read all about what she has been up to at https://ch1postcodegardener.wordpress.com/

10xGreenerCH1 is being managed by Eco Communities, which can be found on Facebook and on their website - https://ecocommunitiesuk.com/

Additional Information: Helen Tandy is a Chartered Financial Planner specialising in ethical and sustainable financial advice at Castlefield, Director of the newly formed Eco Communities, volunteer co-ordinator for Friends of the Earth Chester & District, co-runs the Plastic Free Chester, 10xGreenerCH1 and Plastic Free Pioneers campaigns.

Pictured - Charlotte Houghton, Chester's Postcode Gardener.