Adactus Housing Group Limited Breathe Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2017
Environmental Change The Environmental Hit Squad
Gardening projects
The Hit Squad provide intense, short term work for projects with a long term, sustainable plan.
There are many reasons why more and more groups are being inspired by nature to bring their communities together. Allotments and community gardens can help tackle food poverty, they can provide much needed green space in largely urbanised areas and with a wealth of seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers to choose from - there is literally something for everyone.
Their programme of environmental improvements is carried out across stock that is not covered by our mainstream estate services. This year the team have been involved with supporting 32 gardening projects across six local authorities: Nine in Manchester Five in Chorley One in Lancaster Four in Sefton One in Trafford 12 in Wigan. The team is made up of one supervisor and two operatives who have a range of skills to deliver services directed by the Breathe Team. These include the following: Green space enhancements Fence work Paving Removing fly tipping/providing support for clean up days Support for individual gardens Support for project referrals from internal departments Environmental walkabouts and identifying untidy gardens.
The support offered to community gardens varies according to requirement. We can help groups to purchase tools, equipment and plants, facilitate and support open days, or, provide man power via the Environmental Hit Squad. Projects this year have included, the revival of the New Mossbrook Allotment in Manchester, start-up and ongoing support for Boyer Orchard in Maghull and ongoing support for established groups such as the Keeley Garden Club and two community gardens in Miles Platting. Miles Platting Community Gardens In 2013, following a very successful funding bid, Adactus started two community gardens right in the centre of Miles Platting. The gardens, which are located on Holland Street and Chippenham Road are composed of communal and individual plots that are now maintained by a dedicated group of local gardeners. In addition to growing crops, the gardens regularly host celebratory community events, hold drop in sessions for people interested in getting involved, and support a number of growing projects for the neighbourhood.
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