Rochdale community garden earns top award in regional Britain in Bloom scheme

Thursday, 6 November 2025 00:36

By David Murphy

A local gardening project at Spotland Community Centre has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by North West judges, celebrating the efforts of volunteers and residents

A community garden in Rochdale has been awarded the highest possible rating in a major regional gardening scheme.

The New Pioneers Community Garden at Spotland Community Centre was given a Level 5 – Outstanding rating in the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards, part of Britain in Bloom North West.

The award recognises the work of local volunteers, residents and organisations who have helped turn the garden into a space for growing food, making friends, and building confidence.

Those involved with the garden said it was more than just a green space, it’s become a place where people can learn, connect, and improve their wellbeing.

The project team thanked everyone who had planted, watered, planned and supported the garden. They also gave special thanks to the Calder Valley Line Community Rail Partnership for backing the work and helping community spaces grow.

Britain in Bloom’s It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme looks at community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement. ‘Outstanding’ is the highest of five levels.

The award adds to a wider picture of community-led success stories in Rochdale, with groups across the borough showing how shared spaces can bring people together.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Major road in Middleton closed as crews tackle phone mast fire and gas safety fears

A phone mast fire shut down a key road in Middleton this morning, with firefighters and police establishing a safety cordon amid concerns about potential gas risks.
Work begins on major housing scheme that will bring 81 new homes to Rochdale

A long-abandoned site near Rochdale railway station is finally being redeveloped thanks to £15 million in government funding
🚒 LIVE: We join Greater Manchester fire crews in Rochdale tonight for a ride-along

Live updates during the evening as we embed with GMFRS for a behind-the-scenes look at frontline fire service work during one of the busiest times of the year.
The school where phones are locked away

A scheme in which students lock their phones away at the start of the school day has had a ‘remarkable impact’, according to a headteacher.
Rochdale-born creative agency founder spotlighted in ‘extraordinary’ Greater Manchester business campaign

A Rochdale entrepreneur who turned her wellness-focused creative agency into a global brand builder has been recognised as one of Greater Manchester’s most inspiring business leaders.
Bury bows to GMCA pressure with £12k Cannes trip as taxpayers foot bill for global investor summit

Bury Council says it made a 'late decision' to attend controversial MIPIM property conference after Greater Manchester Combined Authority urged all 10 councils to take part, following backlash from the Daily Mails article.
Masked gang targets couple in terrifying early morning burglary in Littleborough

A man and woman were threatened by four masked men, one armed with a knife, during an aggravated burglary on Todmorden Road in Littleborough.
Bury’s Rock Shopping Centre opens giant Christmas donation station to support struggling families

A huge festive donation box has arrived in Bury, as The Rock joins forces with local churches and The Salvation Army to collect toys for children in need.
Eight-year jail sentence for man who smuggled drugs into Bury through fake parcels from America

A man who smuggled drugs into the UK through parcels disguised with fake American return addresses has been jailed for eight years following a major investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
Grooming gang rapist escapes UK and did what the government couldn’t

A convicted Rochdale grooming gang member has finally left the UK, not through deportation, but by disappearing on his own, doing what the Home Office failed to achieve for over a decade.
24 new family homes to be built on derelict Middleton site under £6.79 million housing plan

A long-abandoned Middleton site is set for transformation as First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) announces plans to build 24 new energy-efficient homes, following a major £6.79 million investment.
Driver admits killing 68-year-old woman in Rochdale during car rampage

A man who drove into several people, killing a woman in Rochdale, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and six attempted murders