Plans to expand the urban farm at Northern Roots by a further four acres have been reconfirmed by the charity which runs the eco-park.

The project is creating the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park on a 160-acre site adjacent to Oldham’s Alexandra Park.

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Those looking to get involved can join the park at a free family-friendly ‘light-night’ event at the eco-park on Sunday, February 25 – with light shows and performances inspired by the world of moths.

Plans to expand the farm a further four acres were announced last year, with longer-term plans to expand by a further six in the following years already drawn up.

The charity says the expansion will allow it to ‘showcase regenerative farming techniques, provide locally grown fruit and veg at scale, keep chickens and bees, and create features such as dye and apothecary gardens.’

Initially a horticultural farm, the farm will then expand to agroforestry alley cropping, where short-term, faster, agriculture such as food is grown alongside long-term growing rows of trees.

Mixed farming will then be explored, with livestock introduced on to less productive areas in the farm.

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Cllr Abdul Jabbar, chair of the Northern Roots Charity Trustees, said: “This is a really exciting year for Northern Roots and I’m delighted the vision for this hidden gem is starting to come to life. 

“We’re working hard to make Oldham the greenest borough in Greater Manchester, and Northern Roots is key to that. 

“Work is proposed to begin on constructing the Visitor Centre this summer, which will include a shop, cafe, events, learning and meeting spaces, and more. 

“The current Urban Farm will be expanded by a further four acres where we can grow fruit and veg at scale, keep chickens and bees, and practice sustainable farming techniques. 

“The existing Urban Farm has been a huge success and I look forward to seeing it expand and offer even more opportunities for Oldhamers and visitors. 

“If you’re interested in finding out more about the Northern Roots charity and this wonderful 160-acre landscape, why not come along to our free, family-friendly light-night event ‘By the Light of the Moon’ at Northern Roots on Sunday, February 25?” 

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