Standing in the open green space of Northern Roots, it is hard to imagine the landscape as it once was. Two cotton mills, two coalmines and an industrial railway once occupied this 65-hectare (160-acre) site in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Later, about 24 hectares became a tip, with much of the space left to nature.
Over the past five years, Northern Roots, a charity, has been developing this once industrial land, running community programmes including a Natural Health Service. On 19 September a new facility will open to the public, featuring a cafe, shop, production kitchen, performance space, forestry skills centre, outdoor play areas and an urban farm. The charity’s ambition is to turn what was once a “burden” into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.
The idea began with Oldham council, which wanted to explore green space as an asset. Today the council works in a unique partnership with Northern Roots. The charity’s seven activity programmes, which include farming and food, arts and culture, sports, business and learning, have been designed to appeal widely.
Once they are through the doors, the aim is to encourage continued engagement so they can unlock the environmental, economic and social benefits – a challenge that led to the creation of “participation pathways”. This philosophy is perhaps best demonstrated by Faiza Awan and Louise Gibbs, who both grew up in the area and became involved with Northern Roots as community champions. Awan said: “It’s really important to have something for everyone.” Gibbs added: “There’s just so many doors to come in through Northern Roots, and then to continue development.” Both now have roles as Natural Health Service guardians.
Unlike green social prescribing programmes that are centred on exercise or gardening, Northern Roots’ Natural Health Service focuses on intentional connection with nature. In doing so, it embodies the wider aims of creating opportunities for people who might not otherwise come together. The site sits between two different and historically divided communities, and its outdoor setting helps to make it a space where people feel able to participate.
The importance of connection is reflected in the relationship between the community and the site. Gibbs said: “Because [people] are local they feel more connected to the space … it’s giving the ownership to the community.” The Natural Health Service was commissioned through Northern Roots by NHS England. It launched in 2023 as a six-month pilot with patients from the Hill Top GP surgery in Fitton Hill.
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