A COMMUNITY project to create an urban garden in the middle of a Hereford industrial estate should improve air quality, encourage wildlife and enhance the shared communal space, it's been said.

Hereford Yoga Centre carried out a consultation with business owners and users of Foley Trading Estate, and has launched Green Up Foley, a project to transform the industrial environment.

The centre's managing director Jenny May While is trying to raise £5,000 to complete the project, which is being designed by an award-winning gardener.

“The new Foley Community Garden will be a shared green space for our city to be enjoyed by all," she said.

"It will incorporate accessible, social seating, café tables and bike storage, flowering plants to attract pollinating insects and other wildlife, trees to improve air quality, and outdoor lighting to improve security.

"We’re delighted to be working with award-winning garden designer Sara Edwards and Julian Pilkington as the design team leading a dedicated group of volunteers who will help to create and maintain the garden."

Ms Edwards, a RHS gold medal winner, said the project will bring a number of benefits as people can use the space to socialise.

"By creating a shared green space at Foley, we hope to make a valuable and lasting contribution to the overall social regeneration of our city," she said.

"Of course, the benefits of social interaction, as opposed to isolation, are well documented, and social engagement is associated with better physical and mental health.

"Creating a safe and pleasant outdoor environment at Foley makes sense all round."

Foley Trading Estate is used by hundreds of people each week, not only for work but to take part in a variety of activities including roller skating, dance and yoga.

Work on the garden will begin in the spring and the crowdfunding campaign is open until October 8. For more information go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/green-up-foley-community-garden