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Friday 10 Oct 2025

Liverpool’s forgotten railway land blossoms into a thriving community garden

Region & Route:

North West & Central

An overgrown patch of disused railway land in Liverpool has been given a new lease of life thanks to the hard work of local people.

Since Network Rail signed a community licence with the Springbourne Community Garden team earlier this year, volunteers, and residents have worked together to clear the space and begin transforming it into a welcoming garden with hand-grown, herbs, fruit, and vegetables.

The project has already generated around £1.5 million in social value, with over 1,200 hours of volunteer time helping to transform the space. It’s creating a safe, green place where people of all ages can come together, learn new skills, and enjoy nature right in their community.

Work began in May 2025, and with the support of local councillors and community members, the garden is now home to a wide range of activity. Children are learning how to grow their own food, neighbours are sharing gardening tips, and elderly residents and people with disabilities are finding a new place to socialise and connect.

Paul Owen, Network Rail’s Area Director in Liverpool, said:

We’re very proud to support projects like Springbourne Community Garden, that not only gives new life into disused railway land but also leaves real, lasting benefits for the local people. It’s amazing to see the passion, energy and teamwork of the residents shining through in this project, and we’re delighted to play a part in it.

Lucy Day, one of the volunteers leading the garden project, said:

Having access to a green space at the end of our road has been a fantastic opportunity for our local community. It has already created a sense of cohesion, camaraderie, and friendship that none of us anticipated. It has become a place where people of all ages and abilities can relax, socialise, and learn new skills. We've been bowled over by the support we’ve received from Network Rail and our local councillor, Tom Crone, to get this project off the ground.

The Springbourne Community Garden will continue to grow in the months ahead, with plans for more planting, a patio and wildflower area, and more funding applications to secure its long-term future.