News Guides help rewild Allington Library Garden in community biodiversity project
Young members of the Vinters Rainbows Guides group joined forces with local volunteers at Allington Library to plant spring bulbs as part of an exciting community initiative to boost biodiversity in the heart of Allington.
The event was part of the Rewilding Allington project, led by Lauren Sykes from the Allington Community Gardeners group in collaboration with Kent Libraries. The project aims to transform the library’s outdoor space into a wildlife-friendly garden that supports pollinators and creates a haven for nature.
Rainbows brought their own bulbs and learned about the importance of pollinators while helping to prepare the garden for a colourful spring display. The planting day also included a special story written by Lauren about a butterfly searching for flowers in Allington, inspiring the children to take action for nature.
Lauren explained: “The grass area outside Allington Library offered very little biodiversity. We’ve started creating borders with plants that provide food for pollinators all year round, using drought-tolerant species to ensure sustainability.“Thanks to donations from local residents, businesses like Aunt Sally’s, and support from groups like the Rainbows, this space is becoming a vibrant community garden.”
The project has already seen contributions from local gardeners, businesses, and organisations, with compost and wildlife-friendly features donated by Suez. Future plans include sowing wildflower seeds, installing bird boxes and a hedgehog house, and creating a seating area for visitors to enjoy the garden.
Maidstone Borough Councils Cabinet Member for Climate Transition and Nature Recovery, Cllr Rachel Rodwell, helped co-ordinate the event, she said: “I am beyond happy to see our community coming together in such a beautiful way, because they are invested in bringing biodiversity into our midst.“Community activities like this put nature restoration at the heart of our urban spaces. They’re great for wellbeing, building friendships, and creating nature-friendly pockets that benefit everyone.”
Cllr Paul Webb, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services said: “Rewilding the garden at Allington Library shows how our libraries are more than just places for books - they’re vibrant hubs for ideas and creativity.”“By creating a haven for pollinators and wildlife, we’re helping residents connect with the environment and each other, which is at the heart of what our libraries across Kent stand for.”
The Rainbows will return in spring to plant sunflowers and continue their environmental journey. The initiative is supported by Maidstone CAN and aims to inspire more local groups to get involved in rewilding projects.