Number One Riverside Workers carve up a slice of sustainable living

 

Staff at Number One Riverside swapped their keyboards for trowels as part of a health and wellbeing  scheme to revolutionise the way that Rochdale consumes its food.

Green fingered employees joined the Leader of the Council, Richard Farnell, to plant a delicious range of fruits, herbs and vegetables, including strawberries, chives, lettuce, radishes and tomatoes as part of the community growing scheme, Incredible Edibles.

The programme, which started in Todmorden, sees volunteers create community gardens growing food which can then be picked by any member of the public free of charge.

And now, thanks to the support of the Kellet Street allotment volunteers, who set the plants growing, residents and staff are just a few weeks away from being able to pick the fruit and vegetables and rustle up healthy meals and snacks.

The scheme was made possible following a donation of cash from Five Ways to Wellbeing and planting boxes from local timber company Dresser Mouldings.

The planters are located close to the staff entrance of the building, outside the children’s library.

Funding has also been donated by Experian and is available for community groups and businesses who would like to create their own communal fruit, vegetable or herb gardens in Rochdale town centre.  

Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, said: “Projects like this are a fantastic idea because they encourage healthy eating but also sustainable living. For that reason, it’s particularly appropriate that we have launched this project outside Number One Riverside, one of the most environmentally friendly council buildings in the country. We hope this concept will be embraced by Rochdale residents and spread throughout the town.”  

Anyone who would like to apply for funding to create their own community garden in Rochdale town centre can contact Frances Fielding on frances.fielding@rochdale.gov.uk 01706 926700.