GROUNDWORK CASE STUDY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Residents came together in Lower Broughton to learn to grow fruit and vegetables on their local development site.

This area of Salford is currently undergoing a programme of regeneration which has seen flats and houses demolished and delays with new development due to the recession leaving many areas baron and uninhabited.

Groundwork MSSTT and Salix Homes worked together to make it possible for such sites to be put to good use by the local community. When developers are ready to build on the Meanwhile site, the planters and storage will be transported to a new site.

“We are thrilled to be working with

Groundwork to identify positive temporary uses for pieces of

land that are awaiting development.

Creating mobile growing spaces is a brilliant

way of improving the environment and

encouraging residents to get involved in

activities that bring people together and improves their health

and wellbeing.”

Jackie Crook, Community

Involvement and New Initiatives Manager,

Salix Homes

The creation of the FIRST meanwhile community food growing site in Salford

10 local residents trained in basic horticulture skills

40 young people engaged in the project through the National Citizen Service delivered by Salford Foundation

15 people growing food on the site

1 new community group created

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS

GROW IN BROUGHT’ON COMMUNITY FOOD GROWING ON A MEANWHILE SITE IN SALFORD

Groundwork MSSTTTimber Wharf

42 - 50 Worsley StreetCastlefield

ManchesterM15 4LD

T: 0161 220 1000www.groundwork.org.uk /msstt

COMMUNITY

Recycled, transportable planters Recycled intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) have been used as planters as they can be easily transported from site to site. They are 1m x 1m square and can be cut to an accessible height. Empty IBCs can also be used to collect and store water.

Onsite recycled shelter space A refurbished shipping container is used on site to store materials, tools and any personal protective equipment the residents require. A second pre-used shipping container with one of the sides missing is used as a shelter.

Rainwater storage containers The roof of the storage container has been adapted to allow water to run off in to easily accessible water butts and two IBCs are used to store water on site. A tap has been provided but is for use only in very dry weather.

GROUNDWORK CASE STUDY

OUR ROLE

PARTNERS

For more information contact:Deborah Murray

Sustainable Communities Manager

0161 220 1000deborah.murray@groundwork.org.uk

“I am keen to learn more about gardening as I

have a strong interest in a career in gardening.

Getting involved with this project provides a great

opportunity to learn, and develop my skills.”

David Oldroyd, Resident of Lower

Broughton, Salford

“The meanwhile site has provided us with the

space to grow our own veg without pushing the children’s toys out of our

already crammed and tiny back yard. The four planters we have are an

ideal size for us ...with our planters we can

spend a couple of hours at a weekend working

on them and make significant progress.”

Bek Stacey

Resident of Lower Broughton, Salford

Engaging residents in the project through consultation events, local networks and publicity

Building capacity by delivering free training in basic food growing to get the local residents started on their food growing journey

Community development support to the residents to form a constituted group to manage the project in the long term and secure additional funding for the project

Providing opportunities for young people to get involved in the project

Stakeholder engagement

Providing landscape design services to optimise use of the site

Contract management

SUSTAINABILITY