The Monastery, Gorton
A place of peace and purpose, The Monastery, Gorton is a living heritage site that unites people, nature and wellbeing, building community and nurturing the environment.
Support The Monastery, Gorton
Following the success of their Green Spaces Fund project 'Regreening Gorton Monastery', the powerhouse team at Gorton Monastery have three fantastic project ideas to expand their work in Greater Manchester.
See the drop down list below for detailed project information, pricing and plans.
Email info@gmet.org.uk if you're interested in funding any of these project ideas.
Project Idea #1: Outdoor Structure for Connection Circles
Funding Required: £25,000
Summary:
We plan to create a beautiful, semi-sheltered outdoor structure (roundhouse or similar with seating) to host our Connection Circles — inclusive gatherings focused on wellbeing, nature connection, and bringing the community together. This space will allow sessions to take place year-round, offering protection from the elements while remaining open to nature. It will be built using sustainable materials, designed to harmonise with the Monastery’s existing environment.
Resources Needed:
• Sustainable timber frame, roofing and flooring and railing materials.
• Local craftsperson or contractor for construction.
• Seating, planters and accessible pathway materials.
• Volunteer support for finishing, planting, and ongoing maintenance.
Anticipated Measurable Outcomes:
• Regular Connection Circle sessions engaging up to 15 participants each.
• 200+ community members benefiting annually through wellbeing, nature connection and inclusion programmes.
• 1 new accessible outdoor structure built from sustainable timber and local craft.
• Increased use of outdoor space for education, mindfulness, nature connection and environmental engagement.
Project Idea #2: Cycle Shelter with Green Roof
Funding Required: £20,000
Summary:
As part of our commitment to sustainable transport and biodiversity, we plan to install a cycle shelter with a living green roof in the external grounds of the building. The shelter will encourage more staff, volunteers, and visitors to travel sustainably while the green roof will support pollinators and add beauty as well as environmental practicality to the site. We currently aim for the project to be installed with the support of local contractors and volunteers in early 2026 and plan to integrate the installation with our existing environmental education activities.
Resources Needed:
• Purchase and installation of steel-frame cycle shelter (capacity for 24 bikes).
• Specialist contractor for green roof system and drainage.
• Volunteer support for landscaping and planting.
• Educational signage for sustainability awareness.
Anticipated Measurable Outcomes:
• Secure storage for up to 24 bicycles.
• Estimated reduction of 10 t CO₂ per year through sustainable travel.
• 15 m² new green roof habitat for pollinators.
• 30+ regular and occasional users from staff, volunteers and community visitors.
Project Idea #3: Water Features for Healing and Peace Gardens
Funding Required: £1,800
Summary:
Our Healing Garden and Peace Gardens are central to the Monastery’s uniquely tranquil, serene and healing environment. We aim to introduce small, solar-powered water features to create soothing visual and soundscapes to enhance mindfulness, relaxation and biodiversity. The installations will use recirculating water and renewable energy, making them both sustainable and symbolic of calm renewal. They will be installed and maintained by our volunteer Green Team, engaging community members in caring for the site.
Resources Needed:
• 2-4 solar-powered water features (pump, basin, and filtration system).
• Volunteer Green Team for installation and maintenance.
• Sustainable materials for base construction and edging.
• Minor electrical work and garden landscaping tools.
Anticipated Measurable Outcomes:
• 2 new solar-powered water features installed.
• 5 volunteers trained in maintenance and sustainability practices.
• Enhanced sensory and wellbeing experience for 200+ visitors per month.
• Increase in pollinator and bird activity within the gardens.
With support from Bloom Hub, we can continue to grow an inclusive, sustainable environment that serves the Gorton community and inspires visitors across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Dedicated volunteers working in Green Spaces Fund garden at The Monastery