Supporting a Community Centre in Wythenshawe to Create their own Community Garden
Growing Together in Wythenshawe
In Sharston, Wythenshawe, where green spaces are few and far between, a formerly desolate patch of land on the side of The Message Trust has been transformed into a flourishing community garden and food growing space. Supported by local volunteers and spearheaded by The Message Trust, the initiative began with a simple idea:
“To have a nice spot to have a cup of tea and get together as a community.”
Following the delivery of a series of Carbon Supermarket sessions by the Groundwork team as part of the In Our Nature programme, community members explored the carbon footprint of their everyday groceries. As a result, over 70% of participants vowed to incorporate more plant-based food into their diet.
These sessions also sparked a conversation about food miles and the power of growing your own produce. From these discussions, the idea for a dedicated community growing space was born.
Building with Purpose: Reclaiming Materials and Skills
Through a partnership with Morgan Sindall, Groundwork Greater Manchester, and the EMERGE collective, the community garden was brought to life using reclaimed wood salvaged from local building sites. Raised planters, bird boxes, and outdoor seating were crafted in hands-on woodwork sessions involving both local residents and corporate volunteers.
“We’re going to be running some Corporate Volunteer days where Morgan Sindall’s volunteers can work with our volunteers at The Message,” explained Lucy, one of our Project Leads.
Touch Wood, part if the EMERGE collective, provided the reclaimed wood and supported the volunteers to bring the garden to life. Luca, a Touch Wood designer, explained:
“The sessions are about learning woodwork skills, everything from how to hold a screwdriver to building your own planters.”
Volunteers learned to measure and cut timber, safely use tools, and build functional garden features. “They managed to make some very decent planters,” said Luca. “Next time, we’re going to build picnic benches, you can practically furnish your own garden now.”
These workshops didn’t just equip participants with new skills, they also fostered pride and a deeper connection to the space they helped shape.
A Thriving Green Hub for All Ages
The Message has been a huge community asset for many years. Andrew who works in Corporate Partnerships explained:
“Here at The Message, we run lots of community groups already. Over 50s groups, youth clubs and coffee mornings… I’m looking forward to extending our coffee mornings outside.”
The creation of the community garden has allowed The Message to expand on their offering when it comes to growing skills, connecting residents with nature and creating more social spaces.
“It’s fantastic now. We’ve got beautiful furniture, seating areas, and amazing planters full of fruit and veg. The possibilities are endless.”
From fresh produce growing in handmade planters to families gathering around a large wooden cable reel for conversation, the garden has great for local connections. “People are making friends and having fun and learning about how to grow their own food, which has been great.”
Cultivating Confidence, Community, and Capability
Andy has aspirations for full community-led management in the future. “My plan is that, by the time Lucy eventually leaves us, we’ll have groups here that will take ownership of it and really run it themselves.”
Their volunteer group is already growing, with people of all ages and backgrounds attending weekly sessions to harvest their own food, which is distributed and sold at their own community grocery.
When asked what the volunteers haven gotten out of the session, 100% agree that they have improved their gardening skills, learned how to recycle materials for growing, and how their everyday choices can impact the environment. One volunteer commented:
“For me it’s been amazing to watch a wasteland be turned into a beauty spot. I’ve seen people’s confidence grow through planting and learning”
Many also feel that they’ve made new connections through the sessions, with over 70% feeling an improvement in their own wellbeing:
“For me personally I’ve felt more unity and connection, no matter what mindset I’m in I always feel like I’m welcome!”
This work was made possible thanks to funding from the In Our Nature project.
