IN just two years a piece of wasteland has been transformed into a thriving nursery, thanks to volunteers from all social backgrounds.

One of those helpers – Warwick Ward – has managed to turn his addiction to heroin, crack and alcohol in to an addiction to fruit.

He said the opportunity given to him at Waste Not Want Not in Rabley Heath had really turned his life around.

The 33-year-old from Welham Green has been volunteering at the project run by Isobel Barnes and is one of many who come along to grow plants, rear chickens, cultivate fruit and vegetables on their own allotment and enjoy the company of others.

Warwick said: “I’m recovering from addiction, people are really nice here.

“I’m starting on a part-time college course at Capel Manor because of this place.

“It’s really helped open my eyes to opportunities.”

The project held an open day on Friday and received a cheque from Welwyn and Stevenage Kiwanis for its good work.

Over its first two years the project has produced flowers for the Eden Project’s Chelsea Flower Show entry, which helped them gain a silver medal.

The scheme is open to people of any age, who are interested in gardening.

Those who have their own allotments on-site are welcome to keep what they have grown.

Visitors to the site at the back of the Robin Hood and Little John pub are also welcome to look around and purchase flowers, trees or shrubs too.

n If you want to get involved in the project, call 01438 820154, email isobelbarnes@aol.com or just turn up to the site in Slip Lane.