Residents dig new allotments in Liverpool with help from Riverside

Work has started on a project designed to help residents in south Liverpool grow their own fruit and vegetables, with a £50,000 funding boost from social landlord Riverside.

The urban walled garden project will transform two derelict garage sites at Marsham Road and Hazelmere Road in Belle Vale into community growing spaces. Plots will be available to individuals, groups and schools to allow them to put their green fingers to good use.

The enterprise is a partnership between Riverside and Groundwork Merseyside. It came about after Riverside spoke to the community and discovered they were keen to grown their own fruit and vegetables and to see derelict areas improved.

Community initiatives officer, Jackie Lowther, said: “We are inviting community groups to the site for team building days and to help out with the development of the gardens. This week volunteers from Fairbridge youth development group helped Groundwork get started on the scheme, painting fences and digging up old bricks.”

Groundwork will also be hosting weekly horticultural sessions for people to learn more about growing their own produce. The project is due to be completed in spring next year.