Celebrating Dundee and Angus College Students’ Green Roots Project this Volunteer’s Week

A Dundee and Angus College student is transforming a neglected Dundee community garden into a thriving green space with incredible social impact.

Maria Gonzalez, a second-year ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) student at Dundee and Angus College, has breathed new life into the previously abandoned Lyon Street Gardens through her inspiring “Green Roots Project”.

With a background in horticulture and a passion for gardening, wellbeing and the environment, Maria first came across the garden when it had become heavily neglected and affected by fly tipping. Inspired by the history and importance of community gardens, she began researching how the space had fallen into disrepair and how it could once again become a place for people to connect and thrive.

As part of a local project for her ESOL coursework, Maria decided to take action. After successfully applying for a small grant, attending local workshops and gaining permission from the building owners, she launched the Green Roots Project.

Maria was encouraged to present the idea to her ESOL classmates at Dundee and Angus College, where she immediately received support from both students and lecturers. Many of the students involved were also seeking a sense of belonging and an opportunity to connect with the local community.

Together, the group worked tirelessly to completely clear the garden, lay paths and begin planting. Today, the once-abandoned space has been transformed into a vibrant community garden featuring flower beds, hedges, grass, fruit and vegetable plots, herbs, water recycling systems and compost bins - creating a welcoming green space for local residents to enjoy and make full use of.

Diana Carel, a former Dundee and Angus College student who has played a key role in supporting Maria with the project, said:

“Since we started the project in November last year, there has been no more fly tipping in the garden. When people see something beautiful like this, they care. Locals are now enjoying the space, and because of what we’ve achieved, others have approached us for help with similar projects.”

The social impact of the Green Roots Project has been significant. More than 20 ESOL student volunteers have supported the initiative, with what began as one day a week quickly growing into full Saturday and Sunday afternoons of community volunteering in the garden.

The project has also been life-changing for many of the students involved, providing opportunities to learn through hands-on experience, improve English language skills and showcase their own talents - from gardening and painting to teamwork and leadership. Their efforts have also been recognised by the College through volunteer certificates celebrating their contribution to the local community. Maria’s dedication was also recognised at the Dundee and Angus College 2026 Prizegiving Ceremony, where she received both the Volunteer of the Year Award and an Outstanding Commitment Award.

The project’s success has extended far beyond the College, with local residents becoming increasingly involved as they have watched the garden transform into a safe, welcoming and vibrant community space. The revival of Lyon Street Gardens has not only improved the local environment, but also created stronger connections between neighbours, students and the wider community.

Her long-term vision is also to continue restoring neglected community gardens, raise awareness of their importance and inspire others to act with their ideas for positive change.

Maria said:

“I hope this project inspires future college students – if you have an idea and look for help and resources in college – you can make it happen.”