Local Life - Wigan - November 2019

10
New greenhouse for Greenslate
Volunteers at Greenslate Community Farm in Orrell,
along with the Friends of Orrell Station, have been
busy constructing a new greenhouse to create
opportunities for adults with learning difficulties.
Greenslate Farm’s Senior Care Farm Co-Ordinator
Hazel McGregor teamed up with the Friends of Orrell
Station to begin the scheme when they realised
they still had materials to build a greenhouse
donated by Winstanley College. Using PVC glazing
from former platform shelters at Orrell Station, the
Friends began the arduous construction process
this spring, beginning with the laying of a concrete
foundation.
‘It was definitely a challenge to construct,’ Bernard
Lundy of the Friends says, ‘especially after the
instructions mysteriously disappeared! We didn’t
expect there’d be so many parts to put in place.’
Now, though, the initiative is in full swing, inviting
local adults with learning difficulties to grow
carnations, campanula, winter brassicas and more.
Some of these plants will eventually be transferred
to Orrell Station to brighten the space up, bringing
the greenhouse’s legacy full circle.
Greenslate Farm offers a number of opportunities
for groups and individuals with additional needs,
including farming, wildlife and conservation work,
and activities in the Straw Bale café.
The new greenhouse has already afforded the farm
new volunteering opportunities; Craig, one of the
volunteers, enjoys harvesting crops, while fellow
volunteer John takes pride in watering the plants
every day.
For more information about the Care Farm scheme,
visit https://greenslatefarm.org.uk/care-farm/
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Stone Cottage
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– sleeps up to 4
Situated near Sedbergh,
in the Yorkshire Dales,
and also within easy
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Children & pets welcome
Call 01942 216 058 / 07792445257
E-mail janemillthrop@yahoo.co.uk
www.millthropcottage.co.uk