Green spaces in the Pathfinder

Green spaces play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of older people, encouraging them to get outdoors. Engaging in outdoor activities helps to reduce falls and maintain strength and mobility and the fresh air and sunlight can also aid in sleep quality and immune function. Green outdoor spaces have been central in each of our Pathfinder neighbourhoods and because of this we thought it would be fitting to showcase this for International Day of Older Persons. The theme of International Day of Older Persons in 2024 was “The part we play”: Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities. 

This page includes details about four of our 10 Ageing in Place neighbourhoods and provides an insight into their green activity. 

Kirkholt, Rochdale 

With the support of Pathfinder Lead Becky Earl from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, residents in Kirkholt have been able to grow vegetables, learn new skills and make new friends in a community garden. 

Watch the video to find out more. 

Ridge Hill, Tameside 

Outdoor space plays an important part in Ridge Hill’s identity and development due to having the largest public park in Tameside (Stamford Park) on its border. The accompanying boating and fishing lake (both managed by the Big Local) are also popular with residents. Through the Pathfinder and the Big Local, a range of outdoor community projects have been delivered to support Ridge Hill in becoming a great place to grow older. 

At the heart of the estate lies Springs Botanical Gardens, a former dumping ground turned oasis that has been transformed by a team of volunteers led by Sam Anderson. It provides a tranquil space full of colour and variety to grow, learn and connect.  

Sam said:

“The Botanical Gardens have really progressed. We offer allotments to rent along with regular ‘learn to grow sessions’ that give residents the knowledge and confidence to produce their own vegetables and flowers. Last year we introduced beehives and we’ve produced our first honey this year."

Spring Botanical Gardens

Partnering with Green Jigsaw (a part of Pathfinder lead Jigsaw Homes), ‘wildflower beds’ have also been installed to add colour and variety. This space has subsequently been used to host pop up cafes to connect with harder to reach residents.

The ‘Memorial Trees’ project has seen over 70 fruit trees planted around the community by friends and families ‘in memory of a lost loved one.'

Iris recently planted a tree in memory of her son and said:

“It’s so comforting to have somewhere close to sit and remember. I’ve really struggled these last few months as I’m unable to easily travel to the grave. It’s wonderful and such a blessing to have planted the tree. Thank you so very much.”

Memorial tree planting

As the trees grow and produce fruit, they will form part of the ‘Edible Walkway’ where planters also grow blackberries, blueberries and strawberries for the community to pick and enjoy.

Another project has leased a piece of land to house the ‘Bike Station’ where donated cycles are restored and loaned out to the community.

Margaret from the Big Local commented:

"Volunteers have worked so hard developing this site, clearing land and installing workshops and storage, with plans to develop the area to provide a safe space for ‘learn to ride training."

Abbey Hey, Gorton

Slightly hidden by wind seeded flora, The Croft is set between Ackroyd and Gibson Avenues in Abbey Hey. Currently a bus turning circle, it has previously been cottages and a children’s play area. A mix of tarmac and grass has proved popular with locals with local resident Cath Warner describing it as "an oasis in the midst of a very built-up area."

The Croft, Abbey Hey

The Croft came to the attention of the Abbey Hey Pathfinder - which is led by Southway Housing trust - during a community consultation regarding the location of new age-friendly benches, but we could see the area was overgrown and unwelcoming, and residents expressed the need for the space to be revamped and kept clear of rubbish with litter picks. Another consultation with local older residents and children took place in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Team and Ground Works, with the main feedback being that residents wanted to enjoy green space and space to breathe.

A team including residents agreed to tidy up the area and cut back plants to create a formal entrance and wildflower garden. In the midst of clearing, beautiful cobbled stones were uncovered along with apple trees and blueberry bushes now have fruit growing. There will be a bench installed during the autumn and consultation will continue about how the space will evolve. It seems that green space is very much valued in the neighbourhood, providing a comforting environment and a moment for mindfulness, whether that be looking out from an upstairs window or strolling around.

Brinnington, Stockport

Despite Reddish Vale Country Park bordering the Brinnington neighbourhood, a lot of older residents struggle to physically access it due to mobility and access issues. Although the local leisure centre offer classes, many residents can’t afford the cost.

Smaller public spaces have become invaluable for local residents to keep active through walking and gardening which has benefitted residents' quality of life. Working closely with the community, local groups and the volunteers the Pathfinder lead in Brinnington - Stockport Homes - has enhanced and developed the available green space in the area. They now have a litter picking group in the park every Tuesday morning with as much chat and walking as there is litter picking. Additionally, an open garden has been established by a local community group next to the church where vegetables and grown, harvested and used for community lunches.

Litter picking in Brinnington

Mental health is a key issue in Brinnington across all age groups, especially in the tower blocks where residents have expressed how much they miss their gardens. The Pathfinder has partnered with BLOGS community group to source planters and benches for Dunton Towers to enable the residents to have an open space to call their own, come together as a community and enjoy planting their own vegetables and flowers.

Brinnington residents enjoying the greenery

It has been found that green spaces also serve as communal hubs, helping to reduce social isolation, build and maintain social connections, reduce the risk of loneliness and foster a sense of wellbeing and belonging in Brinnington. Although they were unable to secure a space at a local allotment, they were able to secure a community allotment in Offerton. Other community groups have joined forces with them and the allotment is now progressing nicely. Recently, they were able to supply their local pantry with apples from an inherited apple tree.

Article Published: 09/10/2024 17:39 PM