Garden oasis is a breath of fresh air

The Petrus Community garden, allotment and wildlife haven

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A year ago an area of land off Belfield Road, Rochdale was a forgotten patch of overgrown wasteland. Today it is a green space enjoyed by more than 30 community groups.

The land is now leased by the homelessness charity, The Petrus Community, which is overseeing its remarkable transformation into a garden, allotment and wildlife haven.

It has all been made possible thanks to the hard work of more than 300 people, including at least 10 regular volunteers, who have given up their time to landscape the former mill site.

Rachael Bennion, Petrus’ Engagement and Development Worker, said: “It’s been described as an oasis of calm in a troubled world. People now come here to grow flowers, food, enjoy the wildlife or just sit and enjoy a nice happy place.”

The land is owned by construction specialists the Eric Wright Group who generously agreed to lease the land to Petrus for a peppercorn rent.

Local pre-school groups, nurseries and organisations helping those who have suffered stroke and brain injuries are just a few of the community groups supporting the project.

The garden is next to a medical centre and Petrus Coordinator, Denis Skelton, says the benefits to the local community go way beyond fresh air.

He added: “There are proven health benefits from a garden area like this associated with physical activity and people making meaningful use of their time. This also involves teaching residents about growing and cooking their own food, diet and healthy living.”

Word of the growing success of the project has even reached the famous Royal Botanic Gardens in south west London. Kew Gardens has donated £2,500 to help fund a local wildlife project called Grow Wild.

Rcahel said: “This will help us to raise awareness of the wildlife, encouraging local people to come here and see the variety of animals and birds which habitat this garden.

“It’s a real credit to everyone who has been involved and whatever reason people choose to come here, they are always really surprised.”

The Petrus Community, a registered charity providing residential and day support services for people in housing need, is part of the Regenda Group.