Laying the Foundations for Inclusive Horticultural Therapy

Groundwork’s landscaping team have been working with partners to improve access conditions at the Albert Avenue allotment in Prestwich.

The allotments, which are owned by Incredible Edible and used by JAMH (Jewish Action for Mental Health), will be used for nature-based horticultural therapy which supports mental-health and wellbeing across the community.

The improvements undertaken by our landscaping team will help make therapeutic gardening activities accessible to all, including people with physical and mental disabilities.

Creating Inclusive Growing Spaces

This spring, our landscaping team, led by Urban Nature Contract Specialist Leah Slater, began essential infrastructure improvements at the allotment. This included:

• Laying the foundations for a larger, fully accessible polytunnel
• Creating accessible pathways suitable for mobility aids
• Designing and positioning raised beds to enable therapeutic gardening from a seated or standing position
• Installing wide double doors to accommodate wheelchair users

These improvements are essential for transforming the allotment into a space that is not only productive but also inclusive, enabling a broader section of the community to benefit from horticultural therapy.