Big Local North Cleethorpes has worked closely with Reynolds Family Hub to improve the garden space for the children and there has been years of engagement since then between the young people and their outside space
When? around 2018-2020 but with ongoing development
Partners: Reynolds Family Hub. VANEL. Green Influencers. Plenty of volunteers and several funders.
Big Local North Cleethorpes has always had a connection to Reynolds Family Hub – due to it’s importance to supporting local families, but also because Natasha at Reynolds has been part of the Big Local partnership committee since nearly the start of the programme.
The outdoor space at Reynolds was uncared for and not ideal for the young people and their parents to use. So, Big Local North Cleethorpes stepped in (especially resident and committee member Alan Johnson). Some funding was allocated to improve the garden space. But as well as purchasing supplies and materials it was as much about providing volunteer experience and time spent.
A lot of effort was put in to cleaning and tidying; building raised beds and planting them out; improving the pond; supplying a new sand-pit; bird boxes; insect nests; butterfly house and much much more.
All of this required a lot of effort over a long time but it was also about getting the young people to do much of this themselves (with help). Tending for the garden and exploring what it has to offer was always part of the experience. It was a case of sharing our funds and expertise and time to make the space/garden something for the young people.
This process has been long and is really ongoing. Alan Johnson was leading on this and extremely active up until his health prevented him from doing this any longer. The garden was ultimately renamed the Alan Johnson Garden as a reflection of his input. Thank you Alan.
Improving the gardens has meant being able to run Green Influencers and ultimately a Little Green Influencers group at the centre. This group has been long running and is still operational in 2025. Read more about that Green Influencers group here.
A selection of images just showing various stages in the development and improvement of the garden.
As well as the plants, flowers and veg, there are also a range of physical improvements to the garden for the young people to enjoy.
The Alan Johnson Garden
In 2023, the gardens at Reynolds Family Hub were renamed the “Alan Johnson Garden” in recognition of all the hard work and volunteer hours that local resident (and long-term Big Local North Cleethorpes committee member) Alan Johnson had put into the gardens.
Alan was instrumental in the first redevelopment of the garden space – building many of the beds; sorting out the pond; planting and growing and installing the sand pit. After that Alan worked with groups of young people and supported the original Green Influencers groups getting started at Reynolds.
Alan continued to work with the children (and adults) and to share his gardening knowledge and support. In 2023 Mayor Steve Beasant donated to the garden itself and also was there to unveil the plaque saying thank you to Alan for all his hard work.
Sadly Alan Johnson passed away (aged 85) in 2025. Sadly missed by all who knew him. His legacy in projects such as the Reynolds Gardens are here long time to reflect his volunteering efforts.
More about the Green Influencers group at Reynolds here.