Talking community gardens with Alun Morris

In the fourth episode of Season 12 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Alun Morris, creator of the Red Lane Growing Project in Bolton and a community engagement worker with Bolton at Home. Alunshares how moving from Buckinghamshire led him into outdoor volunteering and conservation, and how a derelict former playground became a secure community growing space.  He describes the project’s evolving focus, including a “grow it, cook it, eat it” approach, family activities drawing around 2,000 visits a year, plant giveaways, and plans to expand beekeeping classes. The conversation covers impact on community connection and mental health, challenges, the value of flexible “drop-in” volunteering, and Alun’s view of Greater Manchester’s superpower as community, alongside a call for greater patience and tolerance. Did you know:  ·     Community gardens are shared plots of land, often managed by local volunteers, where people grow fresh produce, herbs, and flowers. ·     Found in urban or suburban areas, thesespaces—ranging from allotments to rooftop gardens—foster social connection, promote environmental sustainability, and provide access to nutritious food while revitalising unused spaces.Key resource:The Red Lane Growing Project Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(01:37) Alan’s volunteering roots(02:42) Red Lane origins(03:44) Grow Cook Eat together(05:17) Measuring community impact(07:55) Safe space and wellbeing(11:05) Funding, volunteers, motivation(14:34) Beekeeping and how to help(21:07) Signature Questions 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube orwww.meetthemancunian.co.uk#Manchester #SocialImpact #Podcast #CommunityGardens #Volunteering