The Hidden Gem project is the restoration of a once forgotten disused, overgrown small woodland in the heart of of Aveley. It was first instigated by help of Aveley Community Hub and Essex Wildlife Trust. 

It has since grown to the wider community which now harbours wild meadows, secret gardens, educational benches, fencing/kissing gate and a mural artwork. Many bird boxes, hog houses and bug hotels have been fitted and we are glad to say have habitants. A further 120 trees planted to form hedgerows, many native ferns and bulbs planted. 

The volunteers have learned much from the experience namely the many names of wild flowers, plants and trees and their different uses to animals and humans alike. 

Unfortunately on the 26th April the bench was stolen and most of the fencing. A gofundraiser page has been set up to raise funds to replace it. The residents and especially the local children were extremely disappointed with the theft of the bench and damage to fencing after all the volunteers' hard work. 

The group is always looking for new volunteers - email Keith on k.levett@aveleyvcf.org and visit their Facebook page here.