A team of volunteers have battled record breaking temperatures to give a community garden in Maidstone a magical makeover as part of this year's Project Kent.

Shepway Chariots was revealed earlier in the month as the chosen project to be given a bit of TLC as kmfm once again joined forces with Kent Reliance.

Over the past week, 30 volunteers and kmfm presenters have been digging, weeding, chopping, planting, painting and decorating to bring a once overgrown space into and enchanted corner and wildlife area for local families.

Garry and Laura from kmfm Breakfast take a look around the transformed garden

Garry and Laura from kmfm Breakfast said: "We loved getting stuck in with the Kent Reliance volunteers in various areas of the garden and it was great to get involved in such a community focused project.

"We enjoyed spending time with the charity's team and can't wait to see how they progress from here."

Shepway Chariots is a community garden and wildlife corner run completely by volunteers. The half an acre green space encourages local residents and families to learn how to grow, tend and harvest their own fresh fruit and vegetables.

Nikki Gough, Shepway Chariots Founder, said: "The guys have done a fantastic job, they've powered on in the heat and I love it, I think it’s really brilliant and I can't wait for people to come and see it."

Emma Jo from The Hit List on kmfm chats to Kent Reliance CEO Andy Golding

The charity works hard to spread awareness about the environment, biodiversity and wildlife, as well as practice recycling and composting on site.

The small team at Shepway Chariots have regular visits from local primary schools, nurseries and families and hold a free children's gardening club on Saturday mornings called Shepway Shallots.

Andy Golding, CEO of OneSavings Bank and Kent Reliance, said: “It’s easy for a business to write a cheque to a charity - and of course, we do that too - but our Kent Reliance volunteers like to get involved in a hands-on challenge.

“When we can see the transformation for ourselves and have played a part in making a difference, we’re more likely to use that experience to encourage others to do the same.

“Having spaces like this garden where people can learn practical skills to be able to grow their own vegetables and care for wildlife and the environment is a fantastic idea that all generations can get involved with.”

The whole community in Shepway and the surrounding area can now can enjoy the sensory elements of the enchanted corner and add their own fairy doors and ornaments. Plus, the children can visit the beehive, explore the ponds and wildlife areas and play in the revamped classroom and nature hideaway on rainy days.

Lisa Clinton, representing Kent Reliance on the Project Kent team, said: “We chose this project among all the nominations because it was driven by residents giving up their own time to transform their community.

"Our hope is that seeing what’s possible here, inspires others to do the same where they live and leave something for generations to come.”

The work the Kent Reliance volunteers carried out would not have been possible without help from Brewers Decorator Centres, Notcutts and Wilko's.

The local centres heard about Project Kent on kmfm and kindly offered and donated materials such as paint, brushes, rollers, gardening gloves, plants, compost bags and loads more so the project could be completed. Also, a big thanks to Bray's Bees who helped the team build the beehive and talked through the vital process of caring for the bees.

Head to kmfm.co.uk to see more pictures and find out more about Project Kent, Kent Reliance and the work Shepway Chariots do in the community.

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