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On October 31st, six dedicated third-year psychology students transformed their knowledge into action by supporting sustainability efforts at Merlin Woods Community Gardens. Through an impactful litter-picking initiative, Odetta Bakanovaite, Saoirse Burke, Diarmaid Burrows, Ava Coffey, Aika Dunbar and Emer Jackson demonstrated the power of community engagement. As part of Mike Hogan's Community Psychology and Social Justice module, these students brought classroom lessons to life, combining education with meaningful service to make a tangible difference. 

Merlin Woods Community Gardens is a vital green space that blends environmental preservation with community engagement. Guided by Caroline Stanley, a passionate environmentalist, the students explored the gardens, participated in meaningful service, and gained insights into how this organization nurtures biodiversity, inclusivity, and community well-being. 

During the visit, the team engaged in a litter-picking initiative that highlighted the challenges of maintaining such an expansive community space. In addition to participating in cleanup efforts, students observed sustainable practices such as dry-stone wall restoration using original materials, reflecting the commitment of the Friends of Merlin Woods Community group to ecological integrity. 

Caroline also showcased innovative projects like the Green Seat Theatre, built with recycled materials, which serves as a gathering space for schools and community events. These initiatives demonstrate how sustainability can blend creativity, education, and community engagement to achieve lasting impact. 

As noted by the team, “Our participation gave us a firsthand view of how the gardens foster community cohesion. By maintaining accessible spaces—such as wheelchair-friendly walkways—and hosting inclusive events, Merlin Woods creates a welcoming environment for all. This commitment to diversity resonates with principles of social inclusion and critical disability theory, enabling individuals of varied abilities to contribute to and benefit from the community space.” 

The visit not only allowed students to contribute to the gardens' upkeep but also deepen their understanding of the interplay between ecological health and community well-being. Witnessing the dedication of volunteers and the tangible benefits of collective action inspired a greater appreciation for how small efforts can lead to meaningful change. 

The team highlighted the transformative nature of the experience: “Engaging with Merlin Woods reinforced the importance of integrating classroom knowledge with real-world application. By experiencing the gardens' challenges and triumphs, we developed a heightened sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of how community psychology principles can drive positive social and environmental outcomes.”