A group of gardeners in Oldham who transformed a derelict tree orchard into a vibrant community hub has won a prestigious RHS and BBC award.

During spring and summer this year, the RHS and the BBC's The One Show ran a community gardening competition to celebrate community groups that are transforming their local spaces and encouraging others to try gardening.

This year, the judges were "wowed" by Grass Roots Oldham, a community project which involved transforming a derelict 166-tree orchard into a "green oasis" and lively hub for people and wildlife in just two years.

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The group uses sustainable gardening practices and are passionate about nature conservation.

They learnt specialist orchard-case skills to revive the site which is nestled between housing, industry and roads.

Grass Roots Oldham also hosts a variety of weekly activities, such as petting therapy goats, bike rising and forest school sessions, as well as watersports like paddleboarding on the Rochdale canal.

In recognition of their hard work, the group has received the Growing Together Award 2024 for community gardening.

The initiative is run by Victoria Holden, director of Northern Lily CIC, who said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won the Growing Together Award 2024.

"The Grass Roots Oldham project is a shining example of what communities can achieve when we have access to land.

"We’ve transformed a once derelict green space into a vibrant, inclusive area that truly embodies community spirit.

"Utilising and improving green space to nurture social enterprises and cultivate a variety of community activities for everyone to enjoy.

"It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we come together."

Victoria said the team are also going to be on BBC One live tomorrow (Monday, September 16) from 9.30am "sharing tips with viewers on how to get community gardening".

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk