From Derelict Land to Community Lifeline: Green Heart Den Grows Food, Skills and Wellbeing in Barrow
By Community Correspondent
As food costs continue to rise and access to fresh produce and green space remains limited for many families, a community garden in Barrow is proving how local action can deliver lasting change.
Green Heart Den, built across two previously derelict plots of land, has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive growing space where residents can grow their own food, learn new skills and reconnect with nature.
The project brings together families, volunteers, schools and third-sector organisations to support wellbeing, confidence and community connection.
Designed to be welcoming to all, the site includes a central green space surrounded by flower beds and benches, a polytunnel and raised planter beds for a shared “grow your own” scheme, and a large community area with seating for up to 100 people.
Families can also access a children’s play area, barbecue space and a communal pizza oven, making the garden a hub for both learning and social activity.
Local individuals, community groups and businesses each care for their own plots, with partners including mental health and addiction support services such as The Well, CADAS and Mind, alongside schools from across Barrow.
The garden acts as a practical example of how spending time outdoors, learning together and growing food can support mental health and social inclusion.
With funding from Ørsted’s Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund, Green Heart Den has significantly expanded its impact.
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Support has enabled the garden to increase raised beds and seasonal planting, introduce regular volunteer grow days and family-friendly workshops, and offer free fresh produce to local residents. The funding has also supported inclusive community events, from festive gatherings to popular pizza nights, alongside essential infrastructure such as tools, storage, seeds and compost.
Importantly, the funding has covered coordination time, allowing the project to grow safely while widening participation and strengthening partnerships with local charities.
Adam Bearpark, ROLE at Green Heart Den, said:
“Green Heart Den is about more than gardening. When families can sow, grow and take home fresh produce, it lifts confidence, sparks conversations and brings people together. With support from Ørsted, we’ve expanded our beds, created safer and more accessible growing spaces, and welcomed even more local partners and residents to learn and share.”
Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Senior Advisor and Community Benefit Fund Manager, added:
“Green Heart Den shows how access to green space and locally grown food can strengthen wellbeing, skills and community spirit. We’re proud that the Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund is helping the team scale their impact across Barrow, creating a greener, healthier future that everyone can be part of.”
Through its Green Space Education – From Earth to Table activities, families and volunteers gain hands-on experience in horticulture, seasonal eating and cooking.
The programme connects seed to plate – and people to one another – helping participants build confidence and life skills that can lead to further training, education or employment.
Residents interested in getting involved or learning more can visit Green Heart Den on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenheartden/
More information about the Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund is available at:https://grantscape.org.uk/fund/orstedcommunityfunds/walney-extension-community-fund
