Submitted by colette.bradley... on
This week is #CommunityGardenWeek, (1-7 April), where community gardens up and down the country are celebrated. The benefits of gardening to our health, happiness and mental wellbeing are well documented, not to mention the positive impact for the environment.
Our local communities across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside have a wealth of environmentally focused groups and activities from local neighbourhood gardens to community growing projects. The relationship between access to local green spaces and being involved in a positive, community-oriented environment can contribute to a greater sense of wellbeing and fulfilment.
Many of our members regularly volunteer for, or are involved in, gardening projects and groups in our communities, including individuals being referred via our Oldham Social Prescribing offer.
We spoke to Oldham Social Prescribing client Tracey who, after volunteering at Northern Roots and Oasis Hub Oldham, now has paid employment with both organisations. Tracey has been supported by both our Volunteering team and Social Prescribing team, and she told us just what it means to her to be involved.
“I love being outdoors, it really is my happy place. I have always loved gardening and both of the projects I am involved with allow me to fulfil my passion every week. I had volunteered for Oasis Hub for around eight years when, three years ago the opportunity for a role came up and I went for it. I am now the Gardening Lead at Oasis Garden Hub and it is wonderful. I run community allotment sessions every Tuesday from 10am-2pm where everyone is welcome and we're always looking for volunteers.
Following redundancy just before the pandemic I also became involved with Northern Roots, where I am a Community Champion. We work on lots of brilliant projects and the site is amazing. I love my time there, and both of my roles really help me with my confidence and wellbeing.”
Do you love gardening and are feeling inspired? Why not check out some of the wonderful groups and projects on offer in your local community?
Here are just a few examples of our many member organisations across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside. To find a project local to you, take a look at our Community Activities Directory, or get in touch with us directly to see how we can help support you to find an a project or group suited to you: volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk
Oldham Community Gardening Groups
Northern Roots
A stunning community green space in the heart of Oldham. Northern Roots comprises 160 acres of green space and is a destination for learning, leisure and growing to benefit the environment, and improve health, wellbeing and livelihoods. Learn more: twitter.com/NorthernRootsOL/status/1772557728830910966
Oasis Gardening Hub
Part of Oasis Hub Oldham, Oasis Gardening Hub is a gardening group based in Limeside, Oldham. Learn more: twitter.com/Gardeningoasis1
NorthernLily
Failsworth based NorthernLily is a social enterprise connecting people to nature on land and water. They have an acre site including polytunnels, and welcome people to connect with nature, meet new people, and make a difference in the community. Learn more: www.facebook.com/NorthernLily/
Rochdale Community Gardening Groups
The Growth Project Rochdale
The Growth Project, in partnership with Rochdale and District Mind and Hourglass Environment, has been delivering help and support to people with mental health issues since 2009 in the form of food growing, conservation and skill-based learning projects. Their new project for 2024 is to develop and build a new shelter which is replacing the original building built in 2009. Learn more: www.facebook.com/Hourglass.org.uk/
Q Gardens
A community gardening group based in Kirkholt working with people from all walks of life to promote physical and mental wellbeing by offering a welcome space to learn about gardening and meet other people. Learn more: www.facebook.com/groups/1526322248185066/
PIER
Petrus Incredible Edibles Rochdale (PIER) a community allotment on Belfield Road in Rochdale is a beautiful, relaxing, and therapeutic piece of land, growing fruit and vegetables. Their vision is to create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food: www.petrus.org.uk/pier/
Tameside Community Gardening Groups
Leap Community Green Gardening Club
A small and friendly gardening group offering the opportunity to learn hands-on green skills a safe nature-based environment: www.facebook.com/TheLeapCentre
Wildflower Community Garden
The Community Garden, in Dukinfield, aims to bring the community together from young to old, to grow food, herbs and wildflowers with educational programmes for health and wellbeing. Learn more: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064934190735
Incredible Edible Mossley
Incredible Edible is a small community group that started in 2015 in Mossley. They grow fruit, herbs and vegetables in any suitable space, and for the benefit of the community. Learn more: www.facebook.com/incredible.edible.mossley/
More information
Want to learn more about the positive impacts of community gardening? Check out these wonderful articles from RHS and UK Research and Innovation:
www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/community-gardening/news/articles/growing-a-garden-for-wellbeing
www.ukri.org/what-we-do/iyph2020/how-plants-promote-better-mental-health-and-wellbeing/