When you picture a hospital, fields of wildflowers and shaded gardens full of colourful scented plants is probably not the first image that springs to mind. However, this is exactly what you’ll find at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury. 

The 'Rewilding Fairfield Hospital’ project, run by NorthCare Charity, has used the Green Spaces Fund to enhance the hospital grounds with accessible, nature-rich green space. 

As our Green Spaces Stories series continues, enjoy this in-depth Q&A with Director of Finance Catherine Wilkinson and Fundraising Officer Emma Heinicke. 

1. Hello Catherine and Emma! What’s the backstory of your project?  

Our project began with a chance conversation at a networking event in Bury, where we met a member of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. We got chatting about our site at Fairfield General Hospital - a space with so much natural beauty and potential, but not enough resource, funding, or expertise to unlock it.

That moment planted the seed for a new idea: to reconnect the hospital’s green areas with nature and people.

Fairfield sits in one of the most deprived wards Bury. With limited access to natural green spaces, the area scores poorly on the ANGSt (Access to Natural Green Space Standards) scale, which impacts community wellbeing and deepens inequalities.

The hospital’s 24/7 accessibility offered a unique opportunity to create inclusive, safe, and accessible green spaces that would support health, wellbeing, and biodiversity - not just for patients and staff, but for the wider community.

Applying to the Green Spaces Fund gave us a real opportunity to bring that vision to life and create something special for a community that deserves it. 

2. What did you hope to achieve with your project? To what extent have you been able to accomplish your goals? 

Our aim was to revitalise our natural spaces and bring nature back into the lives of our colleagues, neighbours, and the wider community. The transformation of the site has exceeded our expectations, with the impact being nothing short of phenomenal.  

We have created three distinct gardens, each with its own purpose:  

• Bog Garden: Supports wildlife and enhances biodiversity. 

• Peace Garden: Designed to promote well-being for staff and patients. 

• Education Garden: Provides a learning space for local nurseries and schools. 

In total, we’ve enhanced 9,174m² of green space and planted over 13,000 bulbs and 190 trees around the site.  

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. So many people have expressed how beautiful and calming the spaces are. Volunteers have been especially vocal about their experiences, with many saying they’ve enjoyed being part of something so meaningful.  

We’re thrilled that the project has raised awareness about the importance of green spaces for health and wellbeing. The gardens are now also a valuable tool for social prescribing, connecting people with preventative health support and helping reduce pressure on NHS services. 

3. What is the biggest impact your project has had?

The biggest impact of our project has been the transformation of our hospital’s unloved green spaces into thriving areas that promote health and wellbeing, while also supporting biodiversity.

They have provided much-needed access to nature, showcasing how green spaces in healthcare settings can enhance mental health, reduce stress, and support overall wellbeing. 

One of the most rewarding aspects has been the deep relationships we’ve built with key partners like the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, The Conservation Volunteers, and the Royal Horticultural Society.

LWT helped us design and implement biodiversity initiatives such as the wildflower meadows, bug hotels, and bird boxes. The Conservation Volunteers played a crucial role in maintaining the green spaces, offering practical support and expertise in environmental conservation. The RHS have provided expert advice on gardening techniques, creating educational opportunities for local schools, and helping people learn about the role of plants in our lives. 

4. What has been the most challenging aspect of bringing your project to life?

Like any large-scale project, we faced a few hurdles along the way. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of experience within the team in managing spaces designed to support wildlife.

However, we quickly turned this challenge into an opportunity by partnering with the organisations listed above, who shared their expertise and provided invaluable support.

To counteract any potential risks associated with our team's limited experience, we incorporated ongoing training for staff involved in maintaining the green spaces. By working closely with the hospital's facilities team and adapting our plans as needed, we were able to overcome these challenges and ensure the project was a success.

5. In relation to your project, what are you proudest of?  

We're so proud of the incredible community spirit that has emerged throughout this project.

It’s been truly inspiring to see volunteers from all walks of life – corporate partners, local schools, staff members, and community groups - coming together, dedicating their time and energy to plant bulbs, maintain the green spaces, and contribute to the overall success of the project.

The collective effort to make these spaces come alive has been nothing short of heartwarming. 

7. What’s coming next?

A key next step is establishing a ‘Friends of Fairfield’ gardening group to support the ongoing care and maintenance of the site, with help from local volunteers, staff, and community members. 

We plan to expand our rewilding efforts and will be developing community allotments and raised beds, improving accessibility by upgrading pathways, creating a composting area, and installing a rainwater recycling system to boost our sustainability. 

8.  How has the funding from the Green Spaces Fund aided your project?

Quite simply, this project wouldn’t have happened without the support of the Green Spaces Fund. Beyond the practical tools and materials it allowed us to purchase, the funding gave us the confidence to dream big and has galvanised a movement that will carry on for years.

We’d absolutely recommend the Green Spaces Fund to others. It’s about so much more than money; it’s about unlocking potential, inspiring partnerships, and creating spaces that genuinely improve people’s lives. 

9. What advice would you give to a group in Greater Manchester who wanted to launch their own Green Spaces Fund project?

The Green Spaces Fund Advisors are a brilliant sounding board and really helped us navigate the process, especially in the early stages. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, bounce ideas around, and keep that dialogue going. 

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of collaboration. Bring people with you from the start - whether that’s staff, local groups, community partners, or volunteers. The more people feel part of it, the more energy and momentum the project will build. 

Most of all, just go for it. If you’ve got a bit of green space and a vision, the Green Spaces Fund can help you turn it into something genuinely meaningful. 

9. How can people get involved if they’d like to know more about your project?

We’d love for more people to get involved. We’re currently setting up a Friends of Fairfield Volunteer Gardening Group, in partnership with the RHS, to help maintain and grow the gardens throughout the year.

If you're interested in volunteering, have ideas to share, or just want to learn more, you can get in touch with us anytime at northcarecharity@nca.nhs.uk.