“It’s empowering for individuals to be involved in something that’s in their community.” – Volunteers help to create multi-purpose community hub

Cleavley Community Forest Garden has seen volunteers come together to build a new, multi-use community facility.

The project plans to feature indoor, sheltered, and outdoor spaces for art, craft, and exercise-based community activities. The workshop also features a biodiverse ‘living roof’ complete with a selection of plants.

The build comes after Eccles-based group ‘Salford Working in Wood’ received over £25,000 in grants and donations from The Big Ideas Fund and NHS Salford CCG.

A further £25,000 has been donated in building supplies, insulation, financial donations and labour from Travis Perkins and SIKA.

Volunteers from both Salford Working in Wood and forest maintenance have worked to install utilities, create a pond and support building work.

Salford Working in Wood is a group aiming to eliminate social isolation through woodwork projects.

The group was formed by social enterprise horticultural organisation, Incredible Education. Director and Horticultural Educational Lead, Ian Bobcock said: “Part of what we do is about empowering people to be able to be involved in their local community.

“For us, that’s what we’re about, supporting the local community. Whether that’s physical activity or helping those who are socially isolated. They can join a friendly group and feel like they’re part of a family.”

With the project planned to be completed by 2023, numerous community groups have already enquired about renting the space. Bobcok continued: “It will mean the community have access to an asset that people can come and attend sessions.

“We hope to get funding in place for free workshops, this will help upskill people so they might even look into different careers.

“It’s empowering for individuals to be involved in something that’s in their community. We had a comment the other day saying: ‘I wish this had happened when I lived nearby, I mightn’t have left the area’. Its powerful stuff happening but we don’t always appreciate it because we see it all the time.”

For more information on the community build, check Incredible Education’s Facebook Page.