University of Salford opens Community Growing Space behind Clifford Whitworth Library

We are excited to share that we have launched a Community Growing Space on campus which is now open to our University community and members of the public!

On Thursday 16 June, we hosted a launch event with Mark Frith from Growing Togetherness, and the evening was spent setting up the planters and greening them up with herbs and flowers. 

Marta Strzelecka, Environmental Management Coordinator, said: “It was really heart-warming and exciting to see so many people coming to volunteer during the launch event, or even just approaching us for a chat. This space is being created by our community – for our community. We have received so much support from colleagues, students and local residents.

"The team of volunteers over at Buile Hill Park have helped us organise the launch event and made some planters and a birdhouse for us. We have also been working with a Manchester-based company Touch Wood who upcycle and reuse waste wood and timber; they made the wooden benches and the large planter which is the centrepiece of the space. We were able to fund this project so far thanks to the Salford Advantage Fund.”

The new space is located behind Clifford Whitworth Library, with a beautiful view of Peel Park. It features planters and resting spots for all who visit; benches, a birdhouse and a bird feeding station.

Created to enhance wellbeing by improving biodiversity on campus, the space provides room for mindful activities such as meditating and spending lunch breaks outside. It can also be used for educational activities for students, as well as outdoor meetings.

The space will continue developing over the next few weeks, with new elements coming at the beginning of July, including more planters, a tool shed and a pergola.