YOUNG people from the Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN), who are or have been in care, are embracing gardening as part of the Community Food Growing Project.

The volunteers have just completed a twelve-week programme at the Northern Roots site, planting fresh fruit and vegetables for families and communities in need across Oldham.

The scheme also involved sowing seeds, helping to create growing beds as well as pathways, and planting hazel and cherry plum hedging.

Rachael Barber, a manager at GMYN, which supports young people across Greater Manchester by delivering a range of development programmes and drop-in activities,emphasised how much the project meant to the young people from the network.

She said: “A lot of the young people say just being able to be outside, speak to other people, is massive. Being able to bring them to the Community Food Growing Project at Northern Roots allows them to engage with their community and make a difference. Knowing that the fruit and veg they’re helping to grow will go to families in Oldham, is great.”

One volunteer said: “I get bored at home, so it’s good to come volunteering. It’s fun, I enjoy meeting people.”

Another added: “I don’t normally do this kind of thing. It stops me doing stupid stuff, it helps clear my head, you can have a laugh with people, and obviously you’re learning new skills.”

The Community Food Growing Project is a partnership between Oldham council's Alexandra Park Growing Hub and Northern Roots, which aims to create the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park in the heart of Oldham.

When Covid-19 struck all available growing space at Alexandra Park Depot was turned over to growing food for communities hit hard by the pandemic.

Volunteers are also creating a new market garden at the site, which is set to grow everything from peas, rhubarb, garlic, chard, strawberries, and potatoes.

The produce will also be distributed to communities in partnership with Oldham Foodbank.

The Northern Roots site is nestled in 160-acres of under-used green space. Developed for and with local communities, the vision for Northern Roots is to create sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits for those communities.

Find out more about Northern Roots at www.northern-roots.uk