Volunteers say ‘love where you live’

Langley CAT volunteers with Sophie Heywood (left) and Gemma Russell (right) from Groundwork

A group of volunteers from Langley are transforming an area of land off Eskdale Drive into a community garden for residents of all ages.

Residents have named the project to create the community garden as ‘Eskdale Garden Free Spirit.’ They plan to incorporate an area specifically for children, a space for community food growing, a wildlife garden and a peaceful space for elderly residents.

The land was initially identified as a space that could be improved through the Greening Langley evaluation conducted by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale on behalf of local social landlord, Riverside.

Langley volunteers who are taking part in Langley Community Action Team (Langley CAT) delivered by Groundwork are working with local residents to drive forward the improvements at the site. Langley CAT is a 6-week voluntary course where participants work towards a Level 1 Certificate in Community Volunteering, whilst giving their time to make a difference in the area.

Eddie Sweeney, a resident who has been involved in the project from the start, said: “The land was going to waste, it’s on my doorstep and I thought it’d be a great opportunity to bring the community together. We’ve worked hard to clear the area, removing fly-tipping, litter and overgrown vegetation.”

As part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Where You Live campaign, the group are urging other residents to do their bit to keep Langley tidy and get involved in future activities with Eskdale Garden Free Spirit.

Supporters of Love Where You Live sign up to six key principles which state that they will: Encourage personal responsibility and positive action; work in partnership with neighbours to reduce litter; take responsibility for keeping your own immediate area clean; raise awareness and education about the prevention of littering; make it easy for people not to drop litter and become an active ambassador for clean, green places throughout England and the UK.

Sophie Heywood, Langley CAT Coordinator from Groundwork, added: “The group has already made a big difference to the site and to the lives of residents who live around the site.

“Trees have been chopped back to let more light in and cut branches have been recycled to form a new natural fence.

“The enthusiasm and hard working nature of the volunteers is clear to see and the end result will be a valuable resource for the whole community.”

Tracey Evans from Riverside said: “We are delighted that residents are making the most of their green space.

“We feel this is a real opportunity to equip people with skills, training and the confidence to get involved, alongside taking pride in their environment”.

For more details or to get involved in Eskdale Garden Free Spirit contact Sophie Heywood on 0161 624 1444 or 07850 310 730, or email sophie.heywood@groundwork.org.uk