Heywood community garden blossoms with support from Anwyl Homes

People of all ages are helping with the community garden.

A community garden in Heywood is flourishing, thanks to a generous boost from local developer Anwyl Homes.

The project, led by Reverend Kirsty Screeton from St John’s Church, was one of several successful applicants for funding through the ‘Love From Anwyl’ initiative, associated with the nearby Whittle Brook Park development.

Other beneficiaries included Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC, First Heywood Scout Group, H’All Things Drama, Hopwood CP School PTFA, and Home-Start Rochdale and Bury.

The garden project received £600 from Anwyl’s £5,000 community fund, which has been instrumental in getting it off the ground.

Reverend Screeton shared her excitement for the initiative: “The idea behind the community garden is to bring together local people of all ages to help brighten up the neighbourhood.

"We’ve been busy planning the space and clearing the area to get the garden started. The funding from Anwyl has been a welcome boost as we’ve used the money to source the start to our planters, soil, and plants. We’re also keen to reach out to community groups and individuals who can lend a hand tending to the garden.”

The ‘Love From Anwyl’ scheme is a voluntary programme connected to Anwyl’s construction of 120 new homes across nearly 15 acres on Manchester Road East in Heywood.

In addition to this initiative, Anwyl has committed to over £5.5 million in community contributions. This includes £2.7 million towards the new link road connecting the development to junction 19 of the M62, along with funds for education, transport, highways, green spaces, and sports pitches.

Amy Houlihan, Anwyl’s area sales manager, said: “The community garden is going to be a real asset for the area.

"It has aesthetic value, as it will help brighten up the space, and it will also provide a means for people to socialise while playing an active role in their local neighbourhood.

"We were happy to help sow the seeds for success for the project and hope it will blossom over time.”