GROUNDWORK CASE STUDY
GROW IN BROUGHT’ON COMMUNITY FOOD GROWING ON A MEANWHILE SITE IN SALFORD 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
PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS 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
COMMUNITY
Groundwork MSSTT Timber Wharf 42 - 50 Worsley Street Castlefield Manchester M15 4LD T: 0161 220 1000 www.groundwork.org.uk /msstt
GROUNDWORK CASE STUDY SUSTAINABILITY 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.
OUR ROLE 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
“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
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 For more information contact: Deborah Murray Sustainable Communities Manager 0161 220 1000 deborah.murray@groundwork.org.uk
PARTNERS