RHS SongBird Survival garden relocation and development

Pre–garden development

Before the transformation began, the outdoor space at the community centre was rarely used and had little to offer the local community. Many described it as having “seen better days” and even referred to it as a “concrete jungle.”

The area was fully hard landscaped, with no planting or greenery, and it lacked safe and accessible entry points, making it unsuitable for gatherings, activities or even casual use.

In December 2023, the Neighbourhood Network team spotted a unique opportunity—a nationwide callout from SongBird Survival for a relocation site for their RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 garden. After some consultation with the local community, the lengthy process began and in May 2025, the week after the prestigious RHS Chelsea flower show, the Songbird survival garden was delivered to our community centre project, in Bransholme!

The SongBird Survival Garden

Unveiled at RHS Chelsea in May 2025, the SongBird Survival Garden was designed by Nicola Oakey and supported by Project Giving Back. It’s inspired by the perspective and movement of birds, foraging for food and water while moving between safe points of shelter.

©Andrea Gilpin/SongBird Survival

Curving paths weave through layers of bird-friendly planting, creating a rich, sensory experience for both people and wildlife. At the centre sits the Birdhouse Den, made from reclaimed materials and featuring six handcrafted metalwork motifs of at-risk UK songbirds. The garden also includes:

• Planting schemes that provide natural food, nesting material, and shelter for birds
• A circular pond offering shallow water for drinking and bathing
• A design that promotes environmental awareness and biodiversity

Immediately after the flower show, the garden was transported to Hull. Over a weeklong installation in May 2025, Nicola Oakey, landscapers; Crowton Rowarth Ltd, Roche Civil Engineering, our own dedicated staff and volunteers and HEY Volunteering brought the garden to life in its new home. Official opening events are scheduled for July 2025.

The wider community centre garden

The SongBird Survival Garden is just the first step in a broader vision to redevelop the full outdoor space into a welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable environment for all. The Neighbourhood Network team are working to create a space that brings people together while promoting physical and mental wellbeing, with the following features:

• A large open area for community activities such as yoga and meditation
• Raised beds and fruit bushes to support community growing and foraging
• Painted murals to spark imagination and enjoyment for young children
• Improved accessibility, so that everyone can enjoy the space, regardless of age or ability

Our community garden is a great way for people to come together, enjoy nature, and learn how small changes can help local wildlife and the environment. It’s a space where everyone can do their bit and see the benefits of caring for our surroundings and we cant wait to see how this space transforms further.

Fore more information on how you can be involved please email office@nnetwork.org.uk or call the team on 01482 826061, or visit our volunteer page Volunteer Opportunities | Neighbourhood Network Hull