VOLUNTEERS are needed for two new ‘food-growing gardens’ launched for local residents by Transition Wilmslow during lockdown.

During March’s lockdown residents came together online with a vision of a market garden for Wilmslow to help create more local food resilience and sustainability.

Following a search for available land in Wilmslow, two sites are now starting cultivation. Volunteering help is needed, particularly from those living near the sites.

One site, at Oakenclough Children’s Centre in Colshaw, has ample space to get people working together to learn how to grow more food locally.

The site provided by Oakenclough Children’s Centre, was once a neglected garden site and is now being worked by volunteers including residents from Colshaw Farm.

The other site, ‘The Secret Garden’, in Lacey Green, is a smaller scale project trialling intensive yet sustainable growing techniques. The land has been lent to Transition Wilmslow by resident Neil Hudson.

Some of the produce grown from both sites is intended to supply the local food bank. In addition a planned community café will benefit at the Oakenclough site. Some food grown will be sold to help raise vital funds.

These funds can contribute to the installation of a large polytunnel to provide indoor working space at the Oakenclough site ready for the spring.

Transition Wilmslow chairman, Andrew Backhouse said: “We’re very thankful to Oakenclough Children’s Centre and Neil Hudson, who have provided us land to get Wilmslow digging. I’m astonished at the commitment and drive from residents getting involved. These two sites add to our community garden at The Temp.”

To volunteer email wilmslowmarketgarden@gmail.com.

Ellie Jackson, a resident from Colshaw said: “I am very aware of the difficulty some residents living in a flat during lockdown have faced. Since hearing about Oakenclough, I’ve got stuck in with my young son, enjoying the company and the fresh air."