Natural spring unearthed at Buile Hill’s Growing Togetherness Garden

A natural spring has been found in Buile Hill’s community garden and history may have been dug up with it.

Volunteer gardeners at Buile Hill Park are celebrating after discovering a natural spring running through their community plot.

A find that feels deeply rooted in both nature and local history.

Mark Frith, lead organiser at the Growing Togetherness community garden, said that the water was first noticed during a simple planting task:

“The spring was discovered when a student on the Duke of Edinburgh award was putting hazel hurdles in the ground.

“We are still awaiting this year’s student survey about the water quality, as previous tests have shown it to be groundwater rather than road runoff or mains water.”

Buile Hill Park, Salford’s largest public greenspace, spans around 35 hectares and is listed on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

Its history stretches back to the 19th century, combining Seedley Park and the estate grounds of Buile Hill Mansion.

During a recent tour of the growing plot, Frith pointed out where the spring bubbles up, noting how it might help address long-standing water issues in the garden.

“It’s exciting because this could give us a sustainable water source.

“Maybe a little wildlife pond, or something to feed back into our planting areas.”

He also shared a vintage photograph of Buile Hill Park, showing an old fountain at a crossroads near the allotment location.

“This photo shows the original fountain with a rockery in the background where the allotments are now.”

This suggests a historic water feature once existed in the same spot.

For the Growing Togetherness group, which works with students and local volunteers to build community through gardening, the spring is both practical and symbolic.

Frith described finding it as “nature’s own gift to the people of Salford” a moment of renewal that ties together past, present, and future.

Community members are now working with students to test the water’s quality, and plans are already underway to integrate it into future garden designs.