Residents encouraged to plant flowers in community

14:02 25th October 2011

Greenhouse enthusiasts in Merseyside are being encouraged to put their green fingers to good use by planting flowers, trees and shrubs in local parks to make communities happier.

The appeal is part of the UK's biggest single day of volunteering - the CSV Make a Difference Day on October 29th - with activities taking place up and down the country from last Saturday (October 22nd) until November 6th.

Free seeds are set to be provided for planting in the community to the first 200 people that register to gardening events.

Community Service Volunteers (CSV) Make a Difference Day research found 42 per cent of volunteers on conservation and environmental projects said the activities help them lose weight and combat stress.

Former Metropolitan police chief Brian Paddock told the Liverpool Echo: "My experience of community policing showed me that improving your neighbourhood environment and getting to know your neighbours are two key steps to creating safer, less-isolating communities."

CSV is the UK's leading volunteering and training charity, having been founded in 1962.