The Monks Eleigh Millennium Green is an area of 0.57 hectares, situated in the village's conservation area. It is central within Monks Eleigh Parish and only a short walk from the Church and the Primary School.
The site was originally used by the village as allotments but since 1990 it had become derelict and overgrown.
Not only is the Millennium Green a beautifully peaceful open space, it is also home for many different species of plants and creatures. Jan Watchman has kindly put together a comprensive list of the flora and fauna found on the Millennium Green.
The Monks Eleigh Millennium Green Trust was inaugurated in 1999 and the land was bought with help from The Countryside Agency, various local corporate donors and organisations, and personal donations. Many people in the area also donated money towards benches, tables, trees, bulbs and plants.
Working parties were organised and volunteers put in a huge amount of time and effort to clear the site, clean out the ditches, plant trees, hedges and grass seed.
The Green was officially opened on 14th October 2000. Since then all the plants, trees, shrubs, hedges etc. have flourished, providing a haven for wildlife and an excellent amenity for the village. The birds and mammals are regularly monitored, and the area is frequently used by the School, the Youth Club, and the village generally. The most recent event was a Kite Flying Day on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May, which was very successful and very enjoyable.
From derelict allotments to a community green
Before: The village allotments site in 1990
After: The Millennium Green in wide panoramic view around 2001