WeRpollards: Empowering Pollards Hill Residents for a Greener Community Future

Pollards Hill residents have taken meaningful steps to shape a greener and more connected future for their estate through the weRpollards project.

Building on the success of the waste and recycling awareness campaign they helped create and drive over the past 2 years, the community-led group, supported by Sustainable Merton and Moat Housing, has spent recent months reflecting, planning, and setting out clear ideas to improve life on the estate.

New bin stickers promoting better waste and recycling and environmental awareness throughout the estate.

What is weRpollards?

weRpollards is a resident-led action group open to everyone living on Pollards Hill Estate. The group meets regularly at the Pollards Hill Wellbeing Studio, bringing neighbours together, strengthening community ties and creating a welcoming space to share ideas, plan activities, and support each other.

The group is inclusive and non-political, welcoming all residents who want to contribute their skills, passions, and knowledge to improve their community. This collaborative approach helps build trust and a shared sense of ownership over the estate’s future.

The group’s approach builds on the existing strengths of Pollards Hill: the skills of residents, the energy of local groups, and the shared spaces that bring people together. This foundation allows weRpollards to focus on practical, community-driven solutions that benefit everyone.

Vision for the Community

weRpollards works toward a clear vision for Pollards Hill Estate, where:

• Sustainability helps ease the cost of living by encouraging reduce, reuse, and recycle habits that keep the estate clean and save money.

• Families thrive in a safe, vibrant, and welcoming environment

• Neighbours stay informed and connected, making full use of local resources and opportunities.

• Wellbeing is nurtured and isolation is reduced, creating a stronger sense of belonging and support.

Community Activities and Plans

The group has developed a range of activities that reflect the weRpollards vision. These include:

• Sewing workshops to repair clothes, reducing waste and saving money.

• Community gardening and street planting to brighten public spaces and improve biodiversity.

• Repair Café sessions and equipment workshops where residents can fix household items instead of throwing them away.

• Clothes swaps and pillow making events that promote reuse and creativity.

• Exploring ideas such as a men’s shed, a space where men can gather, talk, share skills, and work on projects together.

A schedule of these activities is being developed for the new year, offering regular opportunities for residents to get involved and learn new skills.

Practical Actions Already Taken

The group’s efforts are already visible around Pollards Hill. On a chilly November day, residents gathered at the Wellbeing Studio to plant trees, bulbs, and wildflowers. These plants will grow into a greener, more inviting space by spring.

In addition, a new workshop space has been created, allowing for hands‑on sessions and community projects planned for the year ahead.

How You Can Get Involved

weRpollards is always open to new people! If you live on Pollards Hill Estate, joining the group is a great way to meet neighbours, learn new skills, and contribute to positive change.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming schedule of activities at the Wellbeing Studio and consider attending a meeting to find out more. Every small action adds up to a greener, friendlier community.

Find out more at sustainablemerton.org/werpollards.