Reflection Garden Opens at Leonardo in Yeovil, Marking a First Since 1915
A new reflection garden has been opened at Leonardo's Yeovil site, marking the first time a garden has been created there since its establishment in 1915. Known as the "Home of British Helicopters," the site employs around 3,300 people, and the garden aims to provide a peaceful space for employees to reflect or commemorate former colleagues.
The creation of the garden was a collaborative effort between Leonardo employees and members of the local community. Schoolchildren and trainees from The Hub, a local training organization, helped plant flowerbeds. Ken Comber, CEO of The Hub, said, "Our trainees were delighted and proud to be given the opportunity to work alongside staff from Leonardo in planting out one of the flower beds in their new reflection garden. It is fantastic that Leonardo welcomed and involved the local community in such a great initiative."
In addition to the garden's plant life, local scouts played a role in boosting the site's biodiversity. In the weeks leading up to the garden's opening, Leonardo's STEM Ambassadors visited Holy Trinity Scout Group in Yeovil to host a workshop on sustainable engineering. Scouts used their newfound skills to create bird boxes and bug hotels, further enhancing the garden's natural environment.
Leonardo graduate Holly Ryan highlighted the transformation of the space: "Before, the space was colourless, with a few benches. Now it is so welcoming, with wildflowers to attract birds."
The new reflection garden symbolizes a shared effort between Leonardo and the local Yeovil community, offering a tranquil space for all to enjoy and enhancing the site's biodiversity for the future.