Atlantes Landscapes recently took part in a meaningful volunteering project in Paignton, supporting a new supported housing development that will soon provide accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness.
Cove House, located on Cliff Road overlooking Paignton Bay, is being developed by the YMCA Exeter as part of its wider mission to offer safe housing, stability, and structured support for vulnerable young adults across Devon.
As a landscaping company based in Exeter and working across Devon, we were proud to contribute our time and expertise to help improve the outdoor environment of this important project.
Our Role on Site
Our team travelled to Paignton to volunteer on the external landscaping around Cove House, focusing on creating structure and improving the usability of the garden space for future residents.
Works completed included:
- Planting 45 Griselinia hedging plants around the perimeter of the site
- Establishing natural boundaries to improve privacy and definition
- Adding structure to the outdoor space to support future landscaping development
- Creating a greener and more welcoming environment for residents
The hedge plants, supplied by Quercus Nursery, will develop into a strong natural boundary over time, helping shape a calmer and more secure outdoor setting.
Why This Project Matters to Us
At Atlantes Landscapes, we believe landscaping has a direct impact on how people experience and interact with their environment. Projects like Cove House highlight how outdoor spaces can play an important role in wellbeing, especially in supported housing settings.
Working on this project reinforced the importance of:
- Safe and well-designed outdoor environments
- Access to green space for mental wellbeing
- Creating spaces that feel calm, structured, and usable
- Supporting organisations working directly with young people
Supporting Young People Through the YMCA
During the day, we had the opportunity to hear more about the work of YMCA Exeter and the purpose behind Cove House.
The development will provide supported accommodation for young people in Torbay who need stability and guidance as they move towards independent living. The outdoor environment is a key part of that journey, offering a space for residents to feel settled and supported.
Being involved in a project that directly contributes to the lives of young people in Devon was something our team valued highly.
Our Approach to Volunteering
This project reflects how we approach community involvement at Atlantes Landscapes. We aim to apply the same standards used in our landscaping, garden design, and garden maintenance work across Exeter and Devon to selected volunteer projects where we can make a real difference.
For us, it is about using practical skills in a way that delivers lasting benefit beyond commercial work.
Looking Ahead
By the end of the day, the new hedge line had been successfully planted, marking an important step in the development of Cove House’s outdoor space.
