OVERALL WINNER AND BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN – BIG ROOTS OF RUCHILL

IT IS a fantastic garden and growing space – but Big Roots of Ruchill has blossomed into something much more important.

This inspirational project was crowned Best Community Garden and overall winner to warm applause and cheers from their fellow finalists at last nights awards.

The initiative grew out of the success of a mini-allotment garden at the back of Ruchill Community Centre.

As well as being the perfect spot for local people – many of whom do not have gardens of their own – to plant flowers and grow fruit and veg, Big Roots also runs workshops, helps people develop new skills and volunteering opportunities and acts as a hub for a culturally diverse community.

Driven entirely by what local people want, it involves nearby schools, who come in to learn about biodiversity, and family support projects and groups helping those with learning disabilities are all regular visitors.

Our Streets Ahead judges praised Big Roots of Ruchill for its inspiring community focus and desire to welcome everyone through its gates.

Chairman John Smith was overwhelmed by his project’s double triumph.

“Our community garden isn’t just for the gardeners, it’s for everyone,” he said.

“To win is amazing – we were just proud to be here.”

Ruth Adam, of project supporter Maryhill Housing Association, said Big Roots of Ruchill had achieved something very special.

“The volunteers have put in a lot of hard work to make this happen, so for them to be recognised here tonight is fantastic,” she said.

“They have done incredible things in their first year and the allotment is already starting to become a community hub.

“Now they have big plans to expand what they are doing, to make it even more accessible for all.”

BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN RUNNERS-UP

CONCRETE GARDEN

The hardworking volunteers behind Possilpark’s Concrete Garden believe that when communities grow gardens, gardens grow communities – a message that gets right to the heart of what Streets Ahead is all about.

This fantastic project was created to tackle food poverty and climate change and it has grown into a multi-faceted, community centred charity. Volunteers grow fruit and veg, keep chickens, compost organic waste and host swap shops for textiles and clothing, vastly reducing carbon emissions and helping people live healthier lives.

Judges praised the Concrete Garden’s success in creating a community hub which has genuinely made a difference to people’s lives.

SAVE OUR HEROES SENSORY GARDEN

Tesco Parkhead’s community champion Susan Wilson is spearheading the Save Our Service Veterans garden project, rallying local businesses, schools and organisations to create a therapeutic space for local veterans and the wider community.

She has organised clean ups and fundraised for tools and equipment to get the project off the ground, working tirelessly to ensure people can come to grow vegetables, purchase food at affordable prices, or simply relax in the restful surroundings.

The judges praised Susan for recognising a local good cause needed a helping hand and being the inspirational driving force behind making it happen.