Cleethorpes history kept alive as Pier Gardens trees given new lease of life

Several large trees have been rehomed by a local charity during regeneration works in Pier Gardens.

The large Yucca and Palm trees have been moved from the site to Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue in People’s Park to be admired for years to come.

This is the latest example of the community replanting scheme which has seen several plants and flowers reused in various areas across the borough.

Last year, Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire (VANEL) and Grimsby in Bloom visited the site to pick several plants and flowers to be replanted in their respective gardens. Those picked by VANEL were used to create a 24m long border at Immingham family hub whilst those selected by Grimsby in Bloom were used in their rose garden.

The Pier Gardens project is all about making the space somewhere that can be enjoyed by everyone. The formal gardens are being changed to reflect modern use, and will include a small urban sports area, plenty of lawns and seating, a play area with water play, climbing structures with a learning area and a reflective zone – providing an area for relaxation and contemplation.

Aaron Goss, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, said: “It’s great to give them a new lease of life and to see them being kept alive somewhere different.”

However, getting the trees from the site to People’s Park was easier said than done. “With a lot of help from volunteers we managed to make it all happen. Between all five trees, we got around 50kg of soil off the root balls to make getting them over here was much easier.”

Now tasked with repurposing the trees, Aaron has a plan to make them the star attraction. “At the moment, we are looking at putting the Yucca and two palm trees in the main garden with the others being rehomed in the glasshouse with one already in.”

He added: “It’s great to work with the Council in partnership on this project to make sure this piece of Cleethorpes history is preserved.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy, Devolution and Skills, said: “This is a great example of how the Council are working with the local community to ensure the best outcome is achieved for everyone.

“These large trees and various other plants make up residents’ memories and we would hate to see any of them be lost so we’re making sure as many as possible are rehomed across the borough.”