
Stories We Love
All across Manchester, there are individuals, organisations and groups that are working together to do their bit for their community and the environment. Although they might not shout about the amazing work that they are doing - we want to!
Here are the Stories We Love – a collection of inspiring stories, interviews and blogs shining a spotlight on the people that have gone that extra mile to support their neighbourhood and make our city cleaner, greener and more connected than ever before.

Meet the Caritas Lalley Allotment: a hidden oasis 10 minutes from the city centre
This wonderfully diverse growing space has been quietly tucked away in Collyhurst at the Caritas Lalley Centre since Groundwork helped to develop the site back in 2016.

Meet Ex-Paw: connecting dog owners to Manchester’s green spaces
This one’s for the dog lovers! Ex-Paw are a dog community based in the centre of Manchester who run events and activities for dog owners, as well as offering doggy care advice and help to provide access to dog friendly spaces.

Meet The Kindling Trust: encouraging a new generation of sustainable growers
Where does our food come from and why is locally grown food important? The Kindling Trust are making it their mission to answer this question by making locally grown produce more accessible than ever and finding inventive ways to get people growing.

Meet Claire from SNUG: one of Manchester’s newest and biggest greening projects
When you start out growing your own plants you never know where the journey will take you, and that’s definitely the case for Claire from SNUG! Hear about Claire’s project, the benefits and challenges she’s experienced and how you can get involved…
Meet the Trafford Wildlife Volunteers: keeping South Manchester wild and green
This group based in Trafford and South Manchester have been hard at work for years trying to protect and improve Manchester’s vital green spaces.

Meet Clean and Green Castlefield: the group brightening up one of Manchester’s most iconic areas
Gary started the Clean & Green Castlefield group during the pandemic after wanting to tidy up litter in the local area. From there, and with the help of Castlefield Forum, the group has now grown into a fully-fledged eco-squad with lots of enthusiasm from the local community.

Meet Plant NOMA: the team redefining Manchester’s urban biodiversity

Meet George: the 17 year old nature expert inspiring Manchester’s next growing generation
Green Fingered George - or, just George for short - is a 17 year old nature lover, gardening whizz, birdwatcher, and RSPB young ambassador

Meet Ardwick Climate Action: Manchester’s friendly neighbourhood climate activists
Ardwick Climate Action are a community group based one mile south-east of Manchester’s city centre in – you guessed it – Ardwick!

Meet Frank: the person behind Moss Side’s thriving allotment
Frank has been growing his own food since he was 12 years old. When he moved to Manchester from Jamaica he took up an allotment plot in Moss Side and he has now been there for over 30 years.

Meet the people behind the Derek Jarman Pocket Park
On the lookout for a new, relaxing green space in Manchester that helps tackle the effects of climate change? You’re in luck! 🌼