George Miller, Councillor for Northwich East and Shakerley, and Chair of the project says “This funding would mean that the Grozone project could work with even more schools, volunteers, and special needs groups in the area. They have already done a lot of good work in starting to turn this unused site into a community resource – I just hope that everyone will vote for them on the 24th of November!”
Friends of Grozone have been hard at work this year designing the garden, consulting with residents, preparing the ground and starting to grow vegetables and fruit on site. Ten residents have been trained in how to garden organically, with 5 of them being awarded a national qualification.
Beth Brockett, Project Manager says “The volunteers have worked so hard to create a design. If we win this funding, with the help of the people of Northwich, we will be able to create a Forest Schools area which will enable us to teach children about the joys of being outdoors, expand our growing capacity through installation of a greenhouse, train more people to grow fruit and veg, and allow us to work with local retired Age Concern volunteers ‘Men in Sheds’ to create a board walk and bog garden on the wet part of the site - which will benefit wildlife. ”
The site used to be the old council plant nursery but has lain unused and overgrown for over 15 years. Its proximity to Northwich Town Centre and residential communities make it an ideal site for local gardening and nature projects.
The Grozone project team understand how important it is for people of all ages and abilities to spend time outside. The volunteer sessions and activities they run help people to get fit, learn new skills, meet new people and relax in a green and friendly environment.
Sarah, a volunteer on the project says: “I am enjoying the Grozone sessions because everyone is friendly and helpful and I have learnt new skills which I hope to use in the future. I am definitely glad I started attending Grozone as I do feel healthier and happier all round, and it is rewarding to see the site transforming week by week as we work on it. I always look forward to Saturdays at Grozone.”
The team has just started supported volunteer sessions for people with mental health issues or who for other reasons may find it hard to get involved with volunteering. These sessions are called ‘Connect and Be Active’.
The result will be down to the number of votes the project gets on the day. Please vote on Wednesday 24 November – watch Granada ITV Evening News to find out what number to call on the day.
Graham commented “The Grozone project is fantastic and very deserving of this funding. I would encourage as many people as possible to watch on the 24th November and vote for the Grozone Community Garden so that even more people in Northwich can benefit from the project.”