The Right to Grow was launched in Bury in June 2025 as part of the campaign led by Incredible Edible Prestwich and District. The Right to Grow campaign was about improving council process to make it easier for community groups and other VCSE organisations take on council owned land for food growing projects.
Following the press release, local resident Natasha approached Incredible Edible Prestwich and District about starting a new growing site in Ramsbottom. Bury Council reviewed the proposed site, and it was approved for growing activities in July 2025.
Natasha met with Katherine from Bury VCFA to discuss setting up a new community group to manage the site. The name the group chose was Lancaster Roots Community Garden to reflect the name of the street and that people stay ‘rooted’ in the area. Katherine supported Natasha with writing a governing document and advice on arranging meetings with local residents to discuss the new garden.
After engaging with local residents, Natasha was able to get 20 people involved including three people to make up the initial management committee. Further development advice was given on insurance and policies needed for running the group.
The Right to Grow licence was signed by the group in October 2025 which has allowed them to start work on the site ahead of the growing season in the spring. As the site was overgrown with brambles and remnants from built structures, the volunteers worked with Bury Council to clear the site ready for new raised beds. The group has already received donations of materials from local businesses that will be repurposed as part of the new garden.
The transformation of the site into a community garden will bring residents together to improve physical and mental health, build stronger community connections, improve access to fresh, local produce and create a greener, more vibrant public space.
