Muddy wellies make a mark » Housing » 24dash.com

Riverside Housing is urging St Helens families to get down and dirty on an outdoor programme of activities.

The local landlord has teamed up with Groundwork Merseyside to encourage kids and adults to dig in and spruce up gardens at the Derbyshire Hill Family Centre in Parr.

Riverside Housing funded the Muddy Wellies programme, which started in April and is currently running for children through the summer. The programme includes a Young Gardener of the Year competition for children in the area.

Tanya Marsh, neighbourhood community initiatives officer for Riverside Housing said: "We are always keen to encourage people to connect with their local land. And we want to people to take pride in their community base, as well as their own gardens. Young and old can learn some useful practical gardening skills, from organic food growing, to garden planning on a budget. Groundwork is working with community groups and local agencies to get lots of people involved."

Children aged five to 16 are invited to take part in the Young Gardener of the Year with categories to include tallest sunflower, best scarecrow, best hanging basket, and biggest pumpkin, with an overall prize for best gardener.

Liz Sabatini of Groundwork Merseyside added: "We are half way through the programme now, and the young people are having a great time getting involved in the activities and taking ownership of the blank canvas they had at the centre. In partnership with St Helens Intermediate Labour Market team the centres garden has been transformed from a disused, derelict space to pleasant environment that now boasts raised beds, paths and hanging baskets."

The Riverside Muddy Wellies Project also contributes towards the wider Well-being programme in St Helens. Well-being helps people aim for physical and mental fitness. It's a programme of over 90 projects to increase exercise, encourage healthier eating and promote mental well-being. Funded by £8.9m from National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, it is managed by Groundwork North West for the benefit of targeted communities across the region.