The Witton Greenhouse Project is helping people’s mental health and reinvigorating a forgotten corner of one of Lancashire’s biggest parks - and it's made the national news!

A moving piece by Daily Express Environment Editor John Ingham dug deep into the huge success at the Blackburn park.

John was treated to a vision of what the greenhouses could be like and how they will benefit the community from Myplace Officer, Andy Mather. John interviewed participants on the Myplace programme and heard how it is helping them to rebuild often shattered lives.

Five years ago Andy was looking at ramshackle buildings with an asbestos problem, when he had the idea that Lancashire Wildlife Trust should take them over. Myplace had already worked in a single greenhouse on the site but there were four others in need of some TLC.

Andy said: “As we had taken on a long abandoned structure and piece of land (outside) a lot of the initial work focus has been dedicated to clearing up and renovating the greenhouses and clearance of the outdoor area where scrub, in the form of willow, bramble and birch, had grown.

We hope that the greenhouses will bring people from different cultures together to share recipes and stories and enjoy local produce.

"Work on the inside of the greenhouse was on hold until the asbestos was removed. This was finally achieved thanks to the generosity of the public contributions to a Crowdfunding appeal along with that of SUEZ who helped with 50 per cent of the payment of the removal, as well as assistance with the logistics involved.”

"The removal of the asbestos revealed structural problems affecting two of the greenhouses meaning they had to be sealed off until they were stabilised. There had also been evidence of trespassing but, thankfully, little damage had been done.”

Andy continued: "Now, one of the greenhouses has already yielded crops of fruit and vegetables and the other three will be operational next year. We will also be able to support local organisations working with people at risk of food poverty to encourage wider growing, run cooking sessions to demonstrate how to use the food produced, as well as provide a much needed healthy meal for all those taking part.”

Gardening sessions, wild crafts and walks are already a feature of the park. Andy said: “Our vision is for the greenhouses to be transformed into a growing, learning and wellbeing hub for members of the local community to enjoy.

“As part of this, new volunteer and trainee positions will be created and we will also be able to host more free workshops and talks to teach people how to grow their own food at home. The surrounding outdoor space is also being cleared for vegetable beds, fruit bushes, trees and a relaxing seating area for people to unwind.

“As the greenhouses will be able to grow plants used to warmer climates, we’ll be able to enjoy meals from the diverse cultures represented in the town and we hope that the greenhouses will bring people from different cultures together to share recipes and stories and enjoy local produce.”

The Witton greenhouses are part of a long-standing project in Witton Park along with South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and Myerscough College. 

Myplace is also working with Blackburn and Darwen Council and Sport England to breathe new life into the greenhouses.