Ham United Group

The Ham United Group (HUG) is a small, local charitable group founded early in 2006. Its purpose is to improve and enhance the environment and the quality of life for the community in Ham. HUG has 5 trustees and a wider circle of volunteers and participants in projects. The trustees and other members meet regularly at Redknap House. HUG has strong ties with the Richmond Housing Partnership and communicates / coordinates with the Ham & Petersham Association and the Ham Amenities Group.

HUG runs a organic community allotment in the grounds of Ham House, with kind permission and support of the house staff, a National Trust property with delicious fresh, local, organic vegetables being distributed to local residents who do not have the opportunity to ‘grow their own’.

The group is also embarking on a new gardening project to create a Bird & Butterfly Garden at Ham Library. The Ham Library is well used and serves a diverse mix of local residents of all ages. It is effectively a ‘community centre’ that integrates all sections of the community.  Its grounds are relatively tidy considering it is in an area that suffers from littering and vandalism. But they are rather forlorn and lacking in interest.

   

Bird & Butterfly Garden - Project Phase 1 Activities (herbs & indigenous plants)

· Clearing the present rather dreary beds which are overrun with bindweed

· Replacing the topsoil & preparation for planting

· Planting of herbs, flowers and shrubs that are attractive to insects and birds

· Making and installing a birdbath

· Local children to create posters

Stop press, HUG has been awarded £4000 by Awards for All, part of Big Lottery

Bird & Butterfly Garden - Project Phase 2 Activities (concurrent with phase 1- educational)

· ‘expert’ talks / workshops in the library -sample topics to include; native birds- how to attract them, what to look for organic and wildlife gardening the contribution & lifecycles of insects , etc

· parties of local residents to join educational walks in Richmond Park (e.g. RSPB)

Project Phase 3 Activities (attracting more birds)

· Ongoing maintenance of the garden (watering, mulching, weeding etc)

· Organised days (with instruction) to make bird & insect boxes and bird feeders (any surplus boxes or feeders to be taken away by participants for their gardens, local green areas, school grounds etc)

· Planting of berry-bearing shrubs under the trees for shelter for birds

· Planting of dog roses & honeysuckle

. Ongoing maintenance of the whole garden area (and feeding of birds)

 

Past projects include:

· Children’s Craft Sessions (for very young children & their mothers)

· Basketball with professional coaching for local children (Sessions for ages 8-12 years, 13-15 years & 16-18 years)

· Canoeing with Thames Young Mariners for local children (8-13 years) funded by the Thames Community Foundation

· Bulb planting on Ham Green – approximately 50 local children and adults planted bulbs in informal groupings under the trees on Ham Green in October 2006. They made a lovely show in the spring of 2007.

· Community allotment at Ham House (with support from the National Trust) with a core group of 8 volunteers, assisted by their children and friends. Delicious fresh, local, organic vegetables has been distributed to local residents who do not have the opportunity to ‘grow their own’.

· Sow a Seed in the Community – attendees at Ham Fair were invited to sow a seed (bean, sunflower, nasturtium) in organic compost in a pot to take home and grow on. Hug provided seeds, pots, compost & advice & encouragement.

· The installation of a bench for seating outside Ham Library. The bench sits on a foundation of ceramic tiles created by over 70 local adults and children.