BEST COMMUNITY GARDEN

WINNER – CONCRETE GARDEN

The Concrete Garden in Possilpark is an inspirational urban community food growing project which has transformed the local area, changing attitudes and improving the environment along the way.

As well as the growing spaces, this excellent group has created a natural play area and delivers weekly horticulture sessions, outdoor play projects and more. There are even hens and bees taking part now too!

The Concrete Garden has also had a massive impact on waste reduction, reducing carbon emissions, diverting textile waste from landfill into their own swap shop and turning wooden pallets and cable reels into play equipment.

Thanks to the group’s efforts, three acres of stalled or derelict land in Possilpark has been transformed into beautiful, welcoming community spaces.

Moira McCaig, project manager, explains: “We believe that when communities grow gardens, gardens grow communities and people live healthier, happier lives when they work, learn, play and grow together.

“Building networks of relationships among people who live and work here is one of the things we are most proud of.”

RUNNER-UP – CASTLEMILK STABLES COMMUNITY GARDEN

The community garden at Castlemilk Stables has reached hundreds of people over the last 10 years, bringing neighbours together, breaking down social barriers and reducing isolation.

As well as the obvious benefits to physical health and wellbeing, being part of this garden has helped local people learn how to grow their own food and tackle food poverty in the area.

The volunteers are determined to build on what they have achieved to help others in need – and the annual ‘soup off’ is a much anticipated community event!

Paddy McKenna explains: “Many members are now interested in tackling food poverty in their community, and issues they felt they would not otherwise have got involved in, had it not for the support of the garden programme.”

CRANHILL COMMUNITY GARDEN

A once derelict football pitch that had become a local eyesore is now a fantastic community hub, thanks to the incredible efforts of all at Cranhill Community Gardens.

The volunteers planted wildlife-friendly hedges, built 40 raised beds, a polytunnel and an outdoor classroom, and now hold monthly community meals and twice weekly gardening drop-ins, where locals can learn how to grow their own food.

The impact on all sections of the community has been enormous, and visitors talk of really benefitting and learning from a welcoming and therapeutic outdoor space.

Marie Ward explains: “People have told us it’s great to see the football pitch being used and community members and gardeners love taking fresh food home with them.”

QUEENS CROSS HOUSING ASSOCIATION GARDEN

The growing spaces run by Queen’s Cross Housing Association have helped the whole community in a variety of inspirational ways.

As well as encouraging people to eat healthily, they have been used as an important step in helping people back into work after illness or long-term unemployment.

The gardens are beautiful places for all, young and old, and a real tribute to the volunteers who work hard to maintain them.

Susie Stott, health and wellbeing co-ordinator, says: “We provide these activity spaces to help tackle social isolation, raise confidence, learn new skills and increase general health and wellbeing. The people involved benefit in many ways including the sense of satisfaction from seeing the fruits of their labours.”

SHETTLESTON COMMUNITY GROWING PROJECT

The outstanding volunteers at Shettleston Community Growing Project have turned an empty piece of land into a thriving community garden complete with their very own children’s group, the Smelly Welly Club.

One of our earliest supporters of Streets Ahead, the group has continued to grow from strength to strength and the whole community is proud of what it has achieved.

In the middle of this busy urban neighbourhood, the project is a green oasis, well-used by local gardeners, schools, nurseries and community groups, as well as by those who just want a beautiful spot in which to watch the world go by.

Kenny McCubbin from the project says: “Who wouldn’t want a little ecosystem like this in the middle of a housing estate? It will be enjoyed by local people, wildlife and visitors for years to come.”