The gardening group at Top Green in Clarence Park was established as part of the Moorside Ageing in Place project led by Persona Care. The community garden was built on what used to be a bowling green and over the course of the project, they have engaged 60 volunteers. The Ageing in Place funding for the gardening group was due to end in August 2025, and the group contacted Bury VCFA for support on how to continue once the funding ended.
Katherine, our Capacity Building Development Officer met with Kath, Sue, Hannah and Ste in April 2025. They discussed options for the group including becoming their own independent community group. Katherine outlined the process of setting up a new group including how to write a constitution and getting a bank account.
In July 2025, the new group Moorside Outside was formalised with a constitution and policies with the aim of encouraging more Moorside residents to become active in the community. Using these new documents, the group was able to set up a bank account and were then ready to apply for grants.
In November 2025, they were successful in receiving the Let’s Value Volunteers grant of £240 for an end of year celebration event to thank their dedicated volunteers. Following this success, the group is now looking at larger funds for a new seating area and polytunnel in the garden.
As part of helping the group to be more independent, Kath attended our Canva workshops led by our Communications Officer, Luke. Kath also benefited from the Bury Council digital inclusion scheme and received a laptop to support with her role in Moorside Outside. Kath has now been able to create digital posters to advertise the group’s Monday gardening sessions.
Anyone interested is welcome to join the gardening club on Mondays, 12 to 2pm on the top bowling green, next to the Green Cafe in Clarence Park. Moorside Outside can also be contacted via email on moorsideoutside@gmail.com
