Back in 2024, Lucy, Chris and David approached us with an idea. To create a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Coventry. To create a space where young people can unwind, and connect with each other and nature, whilst still in the heart of the city.
As part of our Ideas Made Real programme, We were able to fund Lucy, Chris and David’s dream. With guidance from their host organisation, Wild Earth, the project has flourished.
In 2025, we have been able to secure additional funding for the project, and checked in with Chris to see how things are going and what the project means to him.
What is the IMR Project?
“Its the The Wildlife Allotment Garden for the Community!
Creating an environment for nature and people to thrive in the heart of the city. So many young people need a place to quieten their mind. I believe we have worked and continue to work to facilitate that. With the bird hide, the cabin, a shed and new raised beds we made an area where people can grow food, build a bond with animals and with each other. We now have a place that provides a safe space for activities, shelter from the weather and a base that gives a warm friendly atmosphere.”
What is Ideas made Real?
Ideas Made Real gives young people the opportunity to turn their social action projects
and community ideas into reality. Young people are invited to apply for a small grant to design
and deliver their own community social action initiative.
Understanding the challenges of a typical application, young people are encouraged to apply through a video application process. They are then shortlisted to attend PowerPlan Weekend, a 2-day skills-building event that culminates in a Dragon’s Den style pitch to a panel of professionals.
The successful projects are then granted an award of up to £5,000. Alongside this they also receive mentoring and support from an assigned partner organisation and United By 2022’s youth team.
What does the wildlife garden mean to you?
“It means life. The full embodiment of it. To live in an environment one minute at a time where nature is welcomed, it hits you in your core. You feel alive. To sit in the bird hide and see all the details that life seems to forget. It’s a powerful thing, to know those birds you see are a part of you now. We’ve created a mini home for them and a mini home for us.”
How has the extra funding helped you?
“It has allowed us to continue the project with the expert guidance of Wild Earth. Since we have received the extra funding we have been able to purchase multiple items like top soil for our raised beds, bird seed for our little neighbours and equipment like newer wheelbarrows and shovels. We have been able develop our fruit orchard, a pond to boost biodiversity and run fantastic events which have engaged new young people and members of the community in the project. This would not be possible without this extra funding. It has helped massively.”
What is your highlight?
“Providing an event at Godiva festival. Talking about what we’ve done. Engaging with the public and getting people to sign up to groups. Showing our produce made me feel proud of what we’ve achieved. You quickly forget how much has changed in the past year. It was unrecognisable. Some people would’ve seen our plot back then and not persist, however we did. Now we have something to show for it and it is now a part of our legacy. The trees we have planted there will surpass us if we continue to care for them and that future prospect is a call to action to think bigger than just now.”
How has the project helped you?
“It has made me calmer as a whole and I begin to take things slower now. By doing so it reduces my stress and I can make better decisions in my life. I’m more aware of my mental and physical health. I’m more helpful towards strangers because time away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world reinforces my humanity. By doing this project and being closer to nature it brings me closer to my inner self so I am more willing to be understanding through that self reflection. We are losing our solitude because everything wants your attention. This project is able to tune your attention and build connection to what really matters.”
