“There are still a lot of people that don’t know the garden is here” – Community garden looks to get more people involved

A community garden in Salford is looking for more volunteers to get involved, and to offer their space for more people in the area.

Bridgewater Community Garden is encouraging more people, especially those living in areas with little to no green spaces, to get involved with the project.

With an entrance on Bridgewater Street and East Philip Street, the garden is maintained by half a dozen volunteers, who grow apples, pears, plums, nectarines, edible herbs and plants for the community to access for free.

The site forms part of Irwell City Park but was left overgrown until, in 2019, the council tried to sell the site to a housing developer. This was challenged by the Bridgewater Residents Association, with the City Mayor agreeing to overturn the decision and to lease the site as a community garden.

Treasurer of Bridgewater Residents Association, Graham Donning, explained: “It was only when we discovered that there was an approved planning application by Salford Council to build on the community garden, that we got in touch with our councillors.

“It was totally overgrown at first, there were weeds and brambles. It was a bit of a nightmare to get under control. Once we got the garden in shape, we agreed that we would run the community garden.”

With support from Councillor Steve Coen, Salix Homes, and PP O’Connor, the site has since been cleaned up, new fencing and paths installed and raised planters and seating, to make sure the site is accessible to the greatest number of residents.

Richard continued: “It’s good to have a community space, instead of leaving a space to have another tower block. We thought it was necessary to get the space back into the community use, a free, green space that people are welcome to use.”

One of the biggest challenges the volunteers have faced is proving the safety of the soil, with the site’s rich industrial history potentially poisoning the area. After numerous investigations by the council, and third party researchers, the ground has been cleared, with all produce safe to eat.

People living in the area have now begun using the garden’s space to practice yoga and throw small BBQ’s, much to the delight of the organisers.

Graham explained: “As long as people clear up after themselves, we’re happy for everyone to use the garden. We aren’t blessed with much green space in the area, especially when lots of people live in flats with no garden.

“There are still a lot of people in the area that don’t know the garden is there, and that it’s for them. Even though they walk past it everyday, they don’t know it’s a community garden. We’re trying to encourage people to use it.”

“It has a huge impact on wellbeing, particularly with the cost of living crisis. If you can get out into an open area, and think, its nice to do away from traffic and noise.”

For more information on the garden, visit the Bridgewater Residents Association’s Facebook page.