Welcome to the Here We Grow Project, a community gardening project at Bentinck Street in
Birkenhead!

We have secured an amazing £31,400 from 109 community backers including a generous donation from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. With this we plan to provide local residents the opportunity to co-design the community garden, helping to transform this formerly neglected space into a beautiful neighbourhood oasis that all of the community can take
pride in.
The garden will provide space for residents, young and old, to come together to grow vegetables and fruit, support healthy eating, and participate in activities which improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, partnering with other community organisations, creative arts, and health and social care providers.
The garden will offer opportunities for residents to volunteer, participating in gardening, recycling, composting and food growing initiatives, and to join learning and training to increase skills and knowledge and improve employability. This project plans to reduce crime at the site and enhance biodiversity of the natural habitat.
The 'Here We Grow' community garden will address the pressing social and economic challenges in the Bentinck Street neighbourhood, as the 26th most disadvantaged ward in the UK (IMD, 2019) through:

•Improved Access to Fresh Produce: By growing healthy food, we can help reduce reliance on
food banks and improve nutrition in a food-insecure area.
•Community Cohesion: Fostering social interaction through garden activities will help reduce
crime and anti-social behaviour, turning the area into a more vibrant and safe community.
•Health and WellBeing: Providing opportunities for physical activity and mental health support through gardening and community events will enhance overall wellbeing.
•Skills Acquisition: Workshops and training will help residents develop gardening skills, improve employability, and build confidence.
•Enhanced Local Biodiversity: Creating habitats for pollinators and other wildlife will promote
ecological balance and increase residents’ connection to nature.

So what are the steps to get it done?
•Community Engagement and Co-Design Workshops (Months 1-2) initial workshops to
gather input from local residents
•Site Preparation and Clean-Up (months 1-3) clear debris, litter, map out, preserving
existing trees and wildflower area
•Install Garden Features (month 2-3) raised beds, fruit trees, seating, pergola, shed,
polytunnel, water collection
•Gardening Training/ Workshops (month 3 onwards) series of workshops for adults and
also for young people
•Growing season (month 3-7) planting seeds and plants to start to take full advantage of
growing season to August
•Monitoring and Evaluation (Month 6) Assess the impact of the garden on community
health, engagement, and biodiversity
•Celebration Community Event (end of project -month 8) to celebrate the garden's
completion, harvest and achievements
What can you expect to see at the site?
•Polytunnel for growing a variety of different fruit and veg inside
•Raised beds for growing outdoors
•Water storage
•Pergola and seating for quieter moments and socialising
•Outdoor cookery provisions
•Floodlights for site security and after school/dark evenings
•Toilet provision
•Wildlife cameras
•A pond, wildflower area and a variety of tree species for providing varied habitat types
•Fruit trees
Join us for our upcoming engagement workshops where you can take part in a range of
creative, planting and outdoor activities to kick start the project. Have your say about what
you would like to see at the site and sign up to the project!
Thursday 30th January, 2-4pm
Sunday 9th February, 10am-12pm
Wednesday 12th February, 2-4pm
Saturday 22nd February, 10am-12pm
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