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A collaborative effort by EKC Group and a local community gardening group saw a section of Margate's seafront being spruced up in preparation for the summer tourist rush.
Working with Westbrook-based community gardening group Wilderness to Wonderland, the day involved weeding paving and planting bulbs near Margate Railway Station.
Led by organiser Rory Waitt, employees from EKC Group's Schools and Community Liaison, Marketing, and External Affairs teams got stuck in despite cold and wet weather. During the activities, the group were told more about the community beautification project and its goals.
The voluntary group Wilderness to Wonderland currently consists of 25 volunteers, who complete activities each week with previous successes including restoring and replanting the 'Welcome to Margate' gardens, with inspiration from the poems of TS Eliot, and planting a fabulous show of flowers outside Margate Railway Station. The group hopes to build on this success, currently undertaking a project to start a community art centre using a derelict railway platform.
The volunteer group works to develop a caring community model, which will enable them to launch, lead and inspire more groups to look after community spaces. Mr Waitt notes: "New times require new thinking and new sources of finance, energy and labour. We are keen to promote the very topical mental health and 'green prescription' benefits of getting involved in nature, your community and ultimately your life."
Among the many supporters of Wilderness to Wonderland include the Mayor of Margate Cllr Heather Keen, Thanet District Council and local MP Sir Roger Gale.
EKC Group's Media Relations Officer, Charlie Harman, said: "It was an excellent opportunity to explore the important work of community groups such as Wilderness to Wonderland, and to find out the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making Kent's seaside towns the wonderful places they are. We appreciated being able to contribute to the beautification of our local areas, and are looking forward to coming back to see the bulbs in bloom and take part in another day of gardening soon.
"Thank you very much to Rory and his group for their efforts and allowing us to help them in their excellent work."
To see how you can support Wilderness to Wonderland, you can contact Rory Waiit via email, check out the group's Facebook page, or donate to the group via JustGiving.
