Manningtree Developer Celebrates Inclusion Through Nature During Learning Disability Week

As part of Learning Disability Week, a new community‑led garden project at Manningtree Park has demonstrated how collaboration and creativity can foster inclusion and wellbeing. Children’s Gardening Coach and former Blue Peter presenter Lee Connelly has continued his partnership with Manningtree‑based developer City & Country and its longstanding charity partner, Acorn Village, which provides care, support and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

Residents of Acorn Village worked closely with Lee Connelly to help design and plant the show home garden at Manningtree Park. Building on their shared commitment to community engagement and wellbeing, residents were involved in every stage of the process. Through a series of workshops, they contributed ideas, selected plants and helped shape the overall design, ensuring the garden reflected their creativity and vision.

The project culminated in a collaborative planting day during Learning Disability Week (15–21 June), where residents and Lee came together onsite to bring the garden to life. The result is a welcoming, blooming outdoor space that celebrates teamwork and showcases the positive impact of inclusive projects.

A spokesperson for Acorn Village commented: “Witnessing our residents at Acorn Village taking part in this project has been incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with Lee Connelly and City & Country has given everyone involved a real sense of pride and achievement, while the opportunity to contribute creatively to such a beautiful space has been so meaningful for all of us at Acorn Village.”

Lee Connelly added: “This project marks the second phase of an ongoing collaboration with City & Country. Working alongside the residents of Acorn Village has shown just how powerful gardening can be in bringing people together, building confidence and creating something truly meaningful.”

Shelley West, Group Sales & Marketing Director at City & Country, concluded: “At City & Country, we have supported Acorn Village for many years, and bringing them on board for this campaign with Lee Connelly has been a fantastic continuation of that relationship. This project perfectly reflects our commitment to creating inclusive communities, bringing people together to create something special at Manningtree Park.”

Manningtree Park currently offers a selection of apartments, as well as two, three and four‑bedroom homes, with prices starting from £222,500 for a one‑bedroom first‑floor apartment.

For more information about Manningtree Park, call 01206 598 204 or visit www.manningtreepark.co.uk. To view other developments by City & Country, visit www.cityandcountry.co.uk.