- Right to Grow
Bury’s Right to Grow Initiative Sprouts First Project with ‘Lancaster Roots’ Community Garden in Ramsbottom
By Incredible Edible
Bury Council today celebrated the launch of the borough’s first community food-growing project under the new ‘Right to Grow’ initiative, with a group of enthusiastic neighbours who have established ‘Lancaster Roots’ in Ramsbottom.
The ‘Right to Grow in Bury’ campaign, launched in June, and is designed to encourage groups of residents to cultivate unused public land for community food growing. The initiative supports the creation of more connected communities while boosting local health and wellbeing.
The Lancaster Roots project is being spearheaded by neighbours Natasha Monaghan and Charmaine Jones, who have brought together 15 other local residents, all living close to the site.
Charmaine said, “What began as a simple chat between these neighbours has grown into something truly special, which is already bringing people together in meaningful ways. The group is hopeful that their first planters will be in place soon, allowing them to begin growing vegetables and other produce right in the heart of the neighbourhood.”
Their vision for the land, which is currently derelict, includes the installation of raised vegetable beds, the creation of a wildlife pond, and the planting of fruit trees, all aimed at enhancing biodiversity and providing fresh, accessible produce for the neighbourhood.
They have been fortunate to have guidance from Incredible Edible, and valuable support from Bury Council’s Lee Buggie, Kathy Taylor, Mark Townsend and others. Commenting on this inspiring community effort, Lee said, “This is amazing work. Many people have come together to make this happen, and I’m proud to be involved in this project. We hope to have more sites like this spring up throughout the borough.”
Councillor Alan Quin, cabinet member for environment, climate change and operations, said: “I am delighted to see how our Right To Grow initiative has taken shape, and I am excited to see the future work of the Lancaster Roots as they make their local area more green, biodiverse, and delicious with all the fresh food they will be growing. I hope this encourages residents from across Bury to take part in Right To Grow and bring their communities together. This is a great initiative not only for sustainable food growth and the environment, but it is also a great way to bring neighbours, friends, and groups together and demonstrate what being a Bury resident is all about: community. If you are interested in starting your own group, don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
The initial success of Lancaster Roots demonstrates the power of residents working together using the Right to Grow. They’ll be in a group which will benefit physical & mental health and local sustainability for years to come.
