THE GARDEN PROJECT
Our volunteer-led project to transform the grounds of the Hall and the north side of Platt Fields Park. Developed in partnership with Friends of Platt Fields.
Our garden is a community-led project where neighbours come together to grow, learn, and connect. We garden in all weathers (with a gazebo for tea breaks!) and welcome everyone to join in with kindness and respect. The garden wraps around the Hall, with several beautiful spaces including the Walled Garden, Patchwork Garden, Coronation Fountain, orchard, and wildflower meadow. Each area offers something special —and we’d love you to be part of it.
Get an insight into the life of the garden in these films made in 2025 by garden volunteers with film maker Kieran Hanson. Filmed over a year, each film shows the evolution of the garden season from the perspectives of the people who make it happen. The films explore themes of gardening, wellbeing, biodiversity, creativity, community and belonging. The film making was a collaborative process and each gardener learnt skills in creating a narrative, directing the camera and making editorial decisions. A research project into film-making as evaluation practice in partnership with The University of Manchester.
Gardening happens every TUESDAY, MARCH TO OCTOBER, 11AM-4PM
Open to anyone who lives or works in Rusholme, Moss Side, Fallowfield or Longsight. Drop in for as long or as little as you like. All tools, gloves and training provided. Please wear covered shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. There is a fully accessible toilet.
What can you do?
There are tasks for all abilities, including:
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Planting and weeding
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Pruning and composting
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Sweeping and litter picking
You’ll learn from gardener Dan Thomson and fellow volunteers, enjoy hot drinks and chats, and help shape the garden with your ideas. No previous experience needed. Got plants or seeds to donate? Bring them along - we’ll find them a home.
Please register as a volunteer and sign up for sessions.
It's really helped me to heal. This is a place where I've been listened to and just accepted, and supported, and encouraged."
"Gardening is very beneficial, I really enjoy the movements involved in gardening and the slow, easy pace."
"It's really good to get out of the house and enjoy the company of others.”
Garden volunteers
Manchester Urban Diggers, our friends at Platt Fields Market Garden, provided a start-up design for the project in 2021 in the midst of COVID lockdown. Since then, it has been shaped entirely by the interests and knowledge of the volunteers who come along, in partnership with Friends of Platt Fields. Since the project began, the group have transformed what was an unused and neglected area behind the Hall into a sunlit sanctuary for the senses that is also enjoyed by other Platt Hall user groups, including Stay & Play families, Health & Wellbeing participants, local primary schools and ESOL groups.
Check all dates
THE GARDEN PROJECTTue 03 MarFallowfield