Greening The Town Centre
A group of us set up Greener Ipswich some years ago as a pressure group, with the aim of making Ipswich a more attractive and healthier environment by planting more trees and gardens. Funding was secured for Ipswich Borough Council from central government to spend on improving the urban environment in this way.
In May 2024, four of the Greener Ipswich team decided to set up a community interest company (CIC), a not-for-profit organisation wholly independent from the borough and county councils. We felt that this was the best way to make a lasting difference to our town.
We know how much pressure local government is under and that is why we seek to offer cost-effective, innovative solutions to complement their work. We also provide a service to other organisations who share our aims and objectives. Caring for those unkempt green spaces, which can make our town appear tired and neglected, is something so many citizens of Ipswich care passionately about. That is why we offer a structured programme supporting volunteers who want to make a positive contribution to the environment whether its planting, weeding, watering or just ‘talking up’ how great Ipswich is looking!
Trees and plants are good for us. They are attractive in themselves. They improve air quality. Tending them and watching them grow feeds the soul. Failing to improve the natural environment that surrounds us is just plain bonkers.
Greener Ipswich CIC runs on a ‘can do’ attitude. There is no reason why our town – the county town of one of the most beautiful counties in England – cannot be the jewel in the crown of East Anglia. It won’t happen over night and it’ll take some hard work, determination and enthusiasm. But together we can get there. No excuses.
Greener Ipswich CIC directors are Richard Bloomfield, Liz Harsant, Faye Harburt & David Matthews (Chair) – details here
Benefits to Businesses – Find out how parklets and urban greening help regeneration – CRP Project Guide (PDF)
Urban Climate Walks, Berners Street Corner and other Greener Ipswich News
Green Trail
One of the main elements is to have a ‘green trail’ starting south of Christchurch park, running through the town centre and then along the Waterfront. In creating a green trail we will use a range of methods:
Tree Planting – we want to see trees in the ground so that we get the benefit for the next 100 years or more. Trees will be planted appropriately to allow for future growth and the impact of climate change.
Planters – where it is impossible to plant trees, high quality ‘planters’ & ‘containers’ will be considered along with a menu of other possible alternatives.
Green or ‘living’ walls – these can be on a small or large scale – possibly even becoming a ‘statement’ for the town & attraction in their own right – see examples
Pocket gardens – where small spaces are available we would like to transform them. There is a superb example in Ipswich – the Physic Garden at The Hold.
Sunken ‘rain’ gardens – these may play a future role in reducing surface water as we become increasingly vulnerable to severe ‘flash floods’.
‘Mobile’ green sculptures – ideal for temporary spaces.
Hanging baskets/window boxes mostly likely outside shops and businesses.
Murals or street art on a nature or eco theme
About Us
The Green Route
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Making Ipswich a better place to live
Email: info@greeneripswich.org.uk