Forgotten corner of Birkenhead is transformed into thriving wellbeing garden

A derelict piece of land on Bentinck Street, Birkenhead that was once a dumping ground for fly-tippers has been transformed into a thriving garden to support community wellbeing.

The plot in a corner of Bentinck Street, Birkenhead is now a blossoming sanctuary for people and wildlife.

And Duane Chong, programme director for Grow Wellbeing CIC which led its creation with support from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and more than 100 grassroots supporters, says it will help to ‘bring people together’.

Duane adds: “Community gardens strengthen communities and increase a sense of belonging, and they can be for everyone – children, young people, families and older generations.

“There are many more gardens like Bentinck Street, Birkenhead all over Merseyside and, as our numbers grow, we will be able to provide more spaces for people to enjoy, share resources, and contribute to fresh food supply, and healthy cooking and eating initiatives.”

He says: “It is more than a garden. It’s a shared act of hope.

“We’ve shown what’s possible when you put tools in the hands of local communities and give them a stake in shaping their environment.

“Belonging and ownership in something positive, and pride, takes root.”

It’s taken around six months to completely change the area of land with £26,000 in funding from the Combined Authority’s Community Environment Fund, and a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Local residents and other volunteers gave hours of time to help clear rubbish, and design banners and growing spaces to develop the Bentinck Street Community Garden that is now safe and growing – literally – by the day.

It has raised beds for vegetables and herbs; fruit trees; wildflower meadows for pollinators; seating and social spaces; a mini forest for woodland skills, outdoor cooking facilities and rainwater harvesting and compost systems.

In time, it hopes to put up a polytunnel for year-round growing and a site cabin for equipment storage.

Duane says: “After just a few short months the reclaimed garden is as full of plant life and wildlife as we could have hoped for. 

“The small group of volunteers’ engagement has been most crucial. They have been involved in the co-design and construction of the raised beds, and have planted and nurtured vegetables, herbs and fruit trees and have gate keys to water and tend to the plants.

“It’s been a great start but there’s more to do, and real success will be when progress is sustained over a longer period, and when more and more local residents are involved and see the community garden as a place they call their own.”

There are plans for events throughout summer and into autumn, including wellbeing workshops, a parent and toddler group, children’s holiday sessions, and an end of season harvest community open day at the end of August.

And it’s hoped that the garden will provide a host of benefits for the people who use it.

“Spending time in nature is known to benefit everybody’s mental health and wellbeing,” says Duane, “and when residents learn to grow vegetables, they learn skills for life, which can also lead to a more nutritious diet and improved health.”

Grow Wellbeing and Bentinck Street Community Garden has already connected with other community organisations and health services who will be able to signpost people who may benefit from going to the garden, and GP surgeries, adds Duane, may refer patients through a process known as Green Social Prescribing to go to the garden to support their health and wellbeing.

“Community Gardens like Bentinck Street also provide volunteering opportunities as well as learning and training which can increase individuals’ employability,” he continues.

For others, Duane says: “They provide a place for people who are socially isolated to come and meet others, participate in some gentle gardening activities, or just come to sit mindfully in this calm and peaceful garden.”

For more details about the garden and events being held, go to their website.

Keep up to date with news around Liverpool on our website TheGuideLiverpool.com.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.