Work to transform First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) land at Failsworth into a community garden will reach a first anniversary milestone soon with crops now in the ground.
Artichoke, beetroot, garlic and potatoes will be the first vegetables harvested thanks to the efforts of the Day Drive Project Group. It has turned the 750 square metre former garage site at Day Drive into a food producing community initiative.
FCHO initially granted the land for three years in 2024 and gave the group £5,000 to help fund the project as part of its commitment to its communities.
The National Trust and local social enterprise Northern Lily have also supported the work.
So far volunteers, residents and FCHO staff have cleared up the land, built a shed, sourced tools, found large containers to capture rainwater and built a polytunnel.
Other work includes building potting tables, raised beds and a seating area, alongside weekly community gardening sessions.
FCHO head of neighbourhood care David Wrigley said: “Day Drive has made huge progress over the last 12 months as volunteers have made something special from this unused piece of land.
“By transforming it, the community is being supported by us and our partners to create a space for neighbours to grow food, learn new skills and support each other.
“It’s amazing what the team has achieved in such a short time – it’s created a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”
Volunteer Asaf Efraim added: “It has been an amazing transformation, with lots of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
“We are grateful for the support from First Choice Homes and Northern Lily, who have helped us move this project forward. Everyone is looking forward to harvesting our first crop of vegetables later in the year.”
Next on the schedule for Day Drive is more raised beds and planters and a hydroponic system for vegetable growing.
Nature will be helped too with flowers, fruit trees, bird feeders, bug hotels and bird houses all coming online soon.
Main image: Volunteers and FCHO colleagues – from left Asif Efraim Volunteer, FCHO seasonal environmental services operative, Kevin Lomas FCHO, environmental services operative Netty Southward, project and partnership officer, Ghazalla Iqbal, customer excellence officer, Naomi Haseldine
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