Visitors centre planned for UK's largest urban farm

Plans are underway to establish a visitors centre at the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park, known as Northern Roots, located in Oldham. This environmental project spans 160 acres of land that was once used for industrial purposes, such as mills, mines, and railways. The visitors centre will feature farm shops and educational spaces to teach young people about managing woodland and wildlife. The construction is expected to begin this autumn, with the centre opening by the end of 2025. Anna da Silva, the Chief Executive of Northern Roots, emphasized the significance of the project, describing it as groundbreaking and the largest of its kind in the UK. The initiative aims to repurpose post-industrial land to create jobs, enhance nature, and grow healthy food, thereby connecting people with the origins of their food. The farm currently grows and sells fruit and vegetables on Thursday afternoons.

The project also focuses on preserving existing habitats, such as woodlands and grasslands, while creating new wildlife areas by planting trees, hedgerows, and establishing ponds and wetlands. Anna da Silva highlighted the importance of community engagement, noting that they have already started collaborating with local schools and special needs providers. These relationships are expected to strengthen as the project develops and more facilities become available.

Georgia Forsyth Sijpestijn, who assists in running the urban farm, mentioned that they have introduced wood workshops and expanded their capacity for social prescribing. The new visitors centre will significantly increase their capacity. This year, the farm has successfully grown leeks, aubergines, carrots, and potatoes with the help of volunteers. The produce is sold every Thursday, depending on what is ready for harvest. Georgia explained that farming involves working with nature, which can be challenging due to varying weather conditions. They have also planted flowers like borage and marigolds to support pollinators and deter pests.

John Drydale, a volunteer at Northern Roots for the past 18 months, shared his positive experience, stating that he has learned new skills and enjoys his time at the farm. The Northern Roots project is also collaborating with the NHS through a social prescribing program in partnership with the Hill Top GP Surgery in Fitton Hill. Doctors can refer patients who may benefit from access to nature, gardening, creativity, and community activities.

The Northern Roots project represents a significant transformation for the community, turning former industrial land into a vibrant space for learning about nature and growing healthy food. The upcoming visitors centre will enhance the farm's offerings, providing farm shops and educational opportunities for young people. The project is already making strides in community engagement, working with local schools and special needs providers to build strong relationships.

The farm's diverse produce, including leeks, aubergines, carrots, and potatoes, is sold weekly, contributing to the local food supply. The project also prioritizes habitat preservation and the creation of new wildlife areas, such as ponds and wetlands. Additionally, the collaboration with the NHS aims to improve the well-being of patients through nature-based activities and community involvement.