Lincoln City Foundation launch Poacher's Patch

Left to right: Shaun Cass - Lindum Group, Jackie Baker - Branston, Alex Bavin - Lincoln City Foundation, Steve Stewart - Geosynthetics, Steve Barker - Dyson Farming, Sara Boland - Influence, John Atkinson - Dyson Farming, Ross Golding - West Lindsey Landscapes, Kellie Gavin - West Lindsey Landscapes, Sophie Barrett - Turnbull & Co

The LNER Stadium has a new vibrant space for Lincoln City Foundation participants and staff - with the creation of Poacher's Patch.

The area behind the 3G pitch at the stadium has been redeveloped to create a new green space which will be used by participants across the Foundation's existing community programmes.

The space will enhance the delivery of Foundation programmes, from offering hands-on environmental and growing activities within the Holiday Activities and Food programme to creating meaningful ways to access nature for individuals on our mental health pathways.

A number of organisations were influential in the delivery of this project, including a grant from the National Garden Scheme, members of the Lincolnshire Probation Service Community Payback, as well as Dyson Farming, and Influence Landscape Planning and Design.

Other project partners include West Lindsey Landscapes, Moulds Fencing, Lindum Group, Turnbull, Geosynthetics, Ellgia, Mercury Plastics and Pennells Garden Centres.

Alex Bavin, the Foundation’s director of growth, said: "This project has evolved over the last two years, and we are now so fortunate to have a fantastic external delivery space at the stadium.

“I can't thank the team enough for all their hard work and support, they have just been brilliant and so much fun to work with."

Steve Barker, Dyson Farming’s commercial director, said: "We're delighted to support the Poacher’s Patch initiative from Lincoln City Foundation. This community garden will give young people hands-on experience of growing their own food and connecting with nature – something that's increasingly rare in urban environments.

“By learning where their food comes from and how it's produced, these children will develop skills and knowledge that stay with them for life. We're excited to see this green space flourish and inspire the next generation to value the relationship between farming, food and the natural world."

Sara Boland, Influence’s managing director: “We’re proud to have given our support to this project. It’s always a joy to turn an unused space into a landscape that provides opportunities for the local community, and creates a new habitat for nature.

“Working collaboratively with Lincoln City Foundation and the rest of the project team has enabled us to pool our expertise and create a special area that will bring positive outcomes for those who use it.”