Unused land on the Wirral is to be given a new lease of life thanks to a grassroots community co-op.
The efforts led by Earth Moves will see the rewilding of four acres of neglected space near Leasowe Beach, which was once home to Wallasey’s Community Gardens. The space will be turned into different habitats including flower meadows. At the centre of the project are renewable practices which will see recycled cardboard and household waste turned to compost. Nearby wood chippings will also be used, while the volunteers are also using a self dug well to hydrate the spaces.
The project, which will last 12 months, is hoping for over 800 volunteers to renew the space which was once home to Wallasey’s Community Gardens. Earth Moves want a similar use of the space with co-founder Paula Staunton looking for the community to engage in shaping their land at a time of environmental crisis.
Ms Staunton said: “I didn’t think I’d be outdoors and in Wellington boots during winter, but I’m very passionate about it. One of my main conclusions is we need to work together co-operatively. We need to develop our ethics and morals. Ordinary people, need to be involved in environmental issues. There’s space for everyone to make contribution. This is a global issue, but when we stand together for our rights we claim a lot more power.
Community and environment are two concepts which are intrinsically linked. You are the environment. Your body is made of the planet. The planet gives it materials for you to be alive. we’re all equal.”
At the site, it is evident that at the heart of the project is the aim of putting the environment back in the hands of the community.
Ms Staunton said: “Community. Environment. Purpose. That’s it in a nutshell. No one can understand Net Zero. The environment is quite simple. Start with it in your own life, enjoy nature more, relish it, embrace it. Be part of an organisation like ours. It can provide you with opportunities to have an influence over the environment.”
Earth Moves holds a ‘peppercorn’ lease for the land, which means it is essentially free of rent. This adds to the community aspect of the project and the ethos it is creating. Funding of £7698 was made available as part of the Zero Waste Community Fund led by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority.
This funding will add to the sustainable efforts with techniques such as Hugelkultur used. This German gardening technique sees recycled natural materials such as logs, cardboard, and household waste turned into fertile growing spaces. The space has experienced problems with poor soil, and flooding before, and methods such as this will create raised beds bypassing these issues.
With different spaces and techniques, volunteering, and methods, Earth Moves are pioneering fresh ideas in their community. They hold various other events in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, Community Foundations Merseyside, and other organisations.
To sign up for this project and others visit Earth Moves event page or on their Eventbrite.
