Springwatch Challenge at Wythenshawe Park

Wythenshawe Park is inviting local people to take part in BBC’s Springwatch challenge to restore the walled garden to its former glory by planting fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs.

The project is part of the BBC Springwatch 'Breathing Spaces' campaign, a nationwide project to encourage the public to improve and enjoy their green spaces.

Manchester Leisure in partnership with Adult Learning Care and Disability Services, successfully applied to be included in the Springwatch programme of events and on Sunday 8 June, Wythenshawe Park will be one of the UK sites from where BBC Radio will broadcast live as people up and down the country take part in their own local challenge.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event at Wythenshawe Park, to help transform the garden and to take part in a wide-range of activities for all the family including tours of Wythenshawe Hall, animal grooming on the community farm, pony rides, story-time for children of all ages, talks on local horticulture and information on the city's allotments.

The main aims on the day for volunteers will be to plant old English varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits, to clear any weeds and to create 'bug hotels' to help insects and smaller creatures to thrive.

The Springwatch challenge is to transform the garden within the day and have the area, formerly the kitchen garden for Wythenshawe Hall, ready for use as a source of fresh produce once again. It will then be used as an educational tool to teach people how to grow their own fruit and vegetables via the park's Horticultural Centre and to illustrate the importance of healthy eating. The produce will then be sold via Wythenshawe Park's farm shop to the public.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Arts & Leisure at Manchester City Council said: "The kitchen garden will be a tremendous asset to Wythenshawe Park and its visitors. The 'Breathing Spaces' campaign is all about asking people to take ownership of their green spaces and the event on 8 June will be a wonderful way of bringing the community together and to create something for everyone to enjoy and take pride in."

BBC Radio will broadcast from Wythenshawe Park's walled garden on Sunday 8 June and activities will be open to the public 10.00am - 3.00pm.

Media contact:

Claire Keegan, tel: 0161 234 4014