Creating a Sustainable Future with Artificial Lumber
How Everton Community Gardens Built a Sustainable Future with Artificial Lumber made from Recycled Plastic
For over a decade, Everton Community Gardens has been a lifeline—bringing food, friendship, and opportunity to one of the UK’s most deprived boroughs. But when nature took its toll, the community refused to let their beloved space fall into ruin—creating a Sustainable Future with artificial lumber.
Discover how this incredible community reclaimed their space and built a sustainable future, harnessing sustainable materials and an astonishing 3,000 hours of volunteer power!
Everton Community Gardens has been a vibrant hub for local volunteers and the community since 2011. Over the years, their wooden raised beds provided a nurturing space for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. However, by 2022, the elements had left the raised beds rotting and unsafe after just ten years – a problem only too familiar when using wood.
Instead of implementing another short-term fix with using wood, Everton Community Gardens sought a more sustainable, long-lasting alternative — and they found it in British recycled Plastic artificial lumber.
John Hutchison, a Founding Member of Everton Community Gardens said:
“The wooden [raised] beds that we have had to replace were just 10 years old. They had rotted badly and were only getting worse. We have 20 of these beds and most of them are nearly 4 x 2 metres sized and we needed to replace them on the site of the old bed”
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Crafting Raised Beds with British Recycled Plastic
Between 2003- 2004, Hundreds of local volunteers contributed over 3000 hours of volunteer time to meet twice a week and transform the gardens. The team began by researching materials, fundraising, and planning meticulously. The project was funded through a combination of 5 grants from organisations like the ASDA Foundation, the Skelton Bounty, LCC Liverpool Neighbours Fund and Cargill, as well as the group’s own resources.
The group transformed the space by replacing the 20 rotten raised bed kits and rebuilding a pergola with sustainable recycled plastic lumber from British Recycled Plastic. Chosen for its exceptional durability and resistance to rot and weather, this low-maintenance material guarantees the new beds and structure will support the community for generations to come,
The volunteers didn’t just rebuild structures—they built skills and confidence. Many learned DIY techniques for the first time, learnt how to use a range of power tools and problem solved the project together. Local group Good Gym added to the effort, working in the evenings with head torches to help dismantle old beds and move tonnes of soil.
John Hutchison, a Founding Member of Everton Community Gardens said:
“We have all learned new skills, become closer working colleagues through this, enjoyed the design and consultation process and are pleased and proud with the results.”
Built to Last: The Long-Term Impact of Everton’s Sustainable Solutions
The transformation is remarkable. The newly built plastic raised garden beds and pergola, crafted from durable black recycled plastic lumber, will last for decades—offering a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood. Unlike timber, British Recycled Plastics artificial lumber won’t rot, splinter, or require ongoing upkeep, making it an ideal choice for this outdoor project.
By embracing this innovative material, Everton Community Gardens has not only ensured a long-lasting solution but also taken a meaningful step in reducing waste and championing sustainability
Jason Elliott, Managing Director of British Recycled Plastic said:
“We’re always delighted to support community groups with their funding applications, and seeing the success of this project has been heart warming. Knowing our materials will benefit the Everton community for generations to come highlights the true impact of our sustainable products.”
