IN the heart of Rosehill, Burnley, a group of enthusiastic volunteers have begun work creating a community garden.

A team from The Prince’s Trust have cleared 15 feet of overgrown trees and shrubs, with the aim of creating a community space where young and old can plant fruit and vegetables.

The half-acre site, at Rosehill Baptist Church, has been organised by The Basement Project Ltd, a not-for-profit company that works with local people to deliver a range of community activities.

It is hoped the garden will be completed by spring, and will feature a woodland area, from which they can run therapeutic workshops, ranging from community gardening, healthy lifestyles, and budgeting, to basic cooking of grown produce.

Sections of the garden are being offered to residents in the Rosehill area to use, and it is hoped schools will also be able to use the facility.

Adrian Heys, Basement Project manager, said: “Before the garden was cleared, the trees and undergrowth were 15ft high, and the land was totally unmanageable.

“Once The Prince’s Trust cleared the site, they found what looks like the remains of a formal garden underneath.

“We are hoping the garden will become a valuable facility for the community. In the long term, we would like to get schools to come and use the garden, as well as growing fruit and vegetables which the luncheon club at the church can use.”

The Basement Project was started in 2002 and became a not-for-profit limited company, with charitable objectives, in 2013. The project, which relies on grants and donations, moved from central Burnley to Healey Grange in 2013.

Since moving to the site, it now has an office, a music recording studio, multi-function rooms, youth rooms, and a small kitchen area.

It also provides IT support, and an open youth club for children aged 11 and above, as well as a mentoring service.

He added: “In June 2013 we moved premises. The move enabled us to develop new initiatives, so we can serve more local people, bringing people together and sharing experiences.

“We want people to make lasting friendships, learn new skills, participate and achieve small smart goals through informal education and sharing information.”

The project is currently looking for volunteers to work on the garden, and for residents who may be interested in taking ownership of sections of the garden. For more information about the project, visit www.the basementproject.co.uk