Residents in Stalybridge are pitching in to help transform a long-neglected plot of land into a thriving community garden that will see the return of wildlife, plants and trees.

The disused land is owned by housing provider Jigsaw Homes Tameside and will now be rejuvenated to create Birch Tree Community Forest Garden.

The 12-week project, led by Victoria Holden of Northern Lily, who runs gardening workshops, sets out a vision to create a sustainable space for residents to grow food, increase wildlife and have a place to sit and enjoy; helping to improve their physical and mental health along the way.

The garden was designed by the residents living near the corner plot on School Crescent, Springs Lane and The Close, who decided how the garden should look and what food would be grown there, with the intention of bringing it back into use to be enjoyed by the whole community.

An edible walkway is springing to life, with fruit trees, growing herbs, garlic, curry plants - and even truffles - all planted for people to eventually pick and cook with. A bug hotel, bird boxes and hedgehog corner is also being created.

Through Victoria, residents are being taught an organic method of gardening that focusses on the ‘no dig’ technique. She is also teaching them how to protect wildlife and plants across all seasons.

What the site looked like at the very start of the project 

Jigsaw Homes Tameside helped to provide the equipment necessary to develop the garden, as well as the workshops created by Victoria.

Residents have also taken their new green-fingered skills to transform their own gardens, helping to connect them with neighbours.

After discovering the project, new mum Tina Hussain has found a passion that has helped to improve her well-being and happiness.

She said: “I have learnt a lot of new things that I am excited to apply in my own garden. The sessions have also given me the confidence to apply for the RHS flower show at Tatton Park.

“Taking part in the sessions at Birch Tree have always left me feeling refreshed. I also really enjoyed showing my children the before and after pic- tures because the work that’s been done so far has been amazing.”

During the initial stages of clearing the land there were some interesting finds, including around 30 Stalybridge glass bottles from the 1900s.

Resident and regular volunteer Lucy Whitfield is now looking into local history after finding a number of the glass bottles. She is also a keen baker and the apple tree that has been planted will mean she can harvest the apples to use in her baking in the future.

Victoria said: “It’s been a real outlet for many people and to see their faces light up when they come out and get involved is amazing - even in all weathers!

“It really is a great vehicle to bring people together and just shows how gardening is really accessible for everyone.”

Victoria Holden and Lucy Whitfield 

Residents can also earn an AQA award in sustainable gardening, provided for by Jigsaw, and there are now plans to involve local schools so young children can learn about nature.

Once the 12 week project is finished, at the end of March, local schoolchildren will be invited to visit the garden and bury a time capsule. As Birch Tree is continually developed, it is hoped that it will eventually sustain and regenerate itself for years to come, being enjoyed by future generations.

Tiffany Schofield, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer at Jigsaw Homes, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people taking pride in their work and their area, to hear about how it is already making a difference to their lives and to see the support they give to each other.

“To see some of our residents really take ownership of what was a disused piece of land is fantastic and it’s going to be an amazing space for the community to enjoy when it’s all finished.”

The Birch Tree Community Garden project runs every Monday from 10am-noon and 1-3pm until March 28 and anyone is welcome to join.

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