Johnsons Nurseries and Ashlea Ltd Help Create Therapeutic Garden at Lancashire SAFE Centre

A major collaboration between Conlon Construction, City Build, Equans UK, Ashlea Ltd, Morgan Sindall Construction, Tilbury Douglas, C&W Berry, The Casey Group, F Parkinson, Russell WBHO, JH Mayor and Sons, and accredited supplier, Johnsons Nurseries has transformed unused land at the Lancashire SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Centre, based at Royal Preston Hospital, into a peaceful, private therapeutic garden for patients, visitors, and staff.

Since April, the North West Construction Hub partners have worked together to clear and landscape the site, install seating, erect fencing for privacy, and deliver a bespoke planting scheme. Ashlea Ltd provided the soft landscaping, supported by £500 worth of plants donated by Johnsons Nurseries including Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’, Helleborus niger, Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’, Hydrangea, Clematis, and Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaiety’.

The project, gifted through Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, would have cost over £10,780 had the work and materials been billed, but was instead delivered entirely as a donation.

Rebecca Arestidou, Trust, Grant, Fundraising Impact & Project Officer at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, said:

“We are extremely grateful to all members of the North West Construction Hub and their suppliers, who supported them, for taking on the job.

“They have created what is now a beautiful private garden where those attending and working at the centre can go to find tranquillity, solace and healing through nature.  Men, women and children from throughout Lancashire are referred to the centre for its help and support. Usually, referrals are made by the police so if ever a place needed an outdoor space like this new garden, which is both calming and uplifting, it’s the SAFE Centre. We know it will be much appreciated by all who use it.”

Neil Sims, Senior Landscape Supervisor at Ashlea Ltd, said:

“It’s been a privilege to work on a project that will have such a positive impact. Our team took great care with the soft landscaping to ensure the planting complements the space and provides year-round interest. It’s rewarding to know the garden will bring comfort and a sense of peace to those who need it most.”

Johnsons Group Managing Director, Graham Richardson said:

“It’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful project. Partnering with Ashlea Ltd meant we could donate plants that will contribute to a lasting and restorative green space.”

The SAFE Centre provides care to those referred following reports of sexual assault, often through police referrals. The new garden offers a safe, nature-filled space that will support recovery, wellbeing, and resilience for years to come.