THE GARDEN PROJECT
Our volunteer-led project to transform the grounds of the Hall and the north side of Platt Fields Park.
The Platt Hall Garden is a volunteer-led project to develop the outdoor space that connects the Hall to Platt Fields Park. Created in partnership with the Friends of Platt Fields, the garden provides a dedicated group of local volunteers with a vital space for sharing life’s experiences and building physical and mental health, all while learning about plants and growing.
EVERY TUESDAY, 4 MARCH - 28 OCTOBER 2025
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.
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.”
Garden volunteer
Manchester Urban Diggers, our friends at Platt Fields Market Garden, provided a start-up scheme for the project in 2021 in the midst of lockdown. Since then, it has been shaped entirely by the interests and knowledge of the volunteers who come along, a collective effort where all donations are welcome and everything is found a home. Over the five years 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.
Our garden wraps around the Hall, with beautiful spaces like the Walled Garden, Patchwork Garden, Coronation Fountain, orchard, and wildflower meadow. Each area offers something special—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
This 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.
What can you do?
There are tasks for all abilities, including:
-
Planting and weeding
-
Pruning and composting
-
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.
Got plants or seeds to donate? Bring them along—we’ll find them a home.
Collaborative Garden Films
Three films made by garden volunteers in collaboration with film maker Kieran Hanson as part of a project exploring collaborative film making. Filmed over a year, showing the evolution of the garden season each film shows from each gardener's perspective. 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 worked with Kieran to make editorial decisions about the final films.
Check all dates
THE GARDEN PROJECTTue 03 MarFallowfield