New Pioneers Community Garden Level 5 – Outstanding

We are delighted to celebrate the success of the New Pioneers Community Garden, based at Spotland Community Centre in Rochdale, which has been awarded Level 5 – Outstanding in this year’s It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards – part of Britain in Bloom North West.

This is the highest level of recognition in the IYN category and a truly well-deserved honour for a project rooted in inclusion, resilience, and community spirit.

The garden is more than just a patch of green space – it is a place where people come together to:

• Grow fresh, healthy food

• Grow new friendships

• Grow confidence, skills, and wellbeing

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds have contributed their time, energy and creativity – planting, weeding, watering, teaching, and sharing – turning a simple space into a living example of what’s possible when community flourishes.

The project has also created meaningful opportunities for learning, with participants gaining hands-on experience in sustainability, food growing, and working outdoors. The garden has become a hub of calm, connection, and collaboration – improving not just the landscape, but lives.