A SPRAWLING wilderness in Coddenham is being transformed into a luscious green meadow by a group of unemployed adults.Mill Hill, which offers stunning views across the village, cost £5,000 when it was purchased around two years ago by the parish council.

A SPRAWLING wilderness in Coddenham is being transformed into a luscious green meadow by a group of unemployed adults.

Mill Hill, which offers stunning views across the village, cost £5,000 when it was purchased around two years ago by the parish council.

Now a group of 18 to 24-year-olds, who have all been out of work for a minimum of six months, have begun the task of restoring the area.

They are part of the New Deal scheme, which provides help and support for people on benefits to get them back in work.

The land was previously owned by the Crown Pub, which closed around 40 years ago, and at one time had sheep grazing on it.

Since then, the plot had several different owners until the parish council stepped in, with a grant from Suffolk landfill operator Viridor.

A bench has already been put in place to take advantage of the views and now seeds are being sown and trees planted to enrich the area.

Mark Cornish, of YMCA training, said: "We'll be creating a meadow with native species that are characteristic of the area and soil type but we won't start seeing the results until next year."

The group spend time working on various sites in Suffolk, including Dunwich Heath and the RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve, and they are returning to Coddenham next Wednesday. They plan to complete the job in November.

Parish councillor David Hudson said: "It looks a bit raggedy at the moment, but it will be terrific.

"In five to ten years it will look a lot better. We're very pleased with the work that has been done."

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