Moss Side Open Alleys: A Green Uptopia

This Sunday Alex and I had the pleasure of visiting Moss Side’s open alleys. This is a community based project that brings neighbours together in an effort to reclaim their alleyways from fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour through the clean-up and greening of their shared space. The alleys are treasure troves of alternative planters, budding fruits and so much green!

Once one person leaves an unwanted sofa, more unloved objects pile up: fridges, mattresses, you name it. What the residents of Moss Side have created is not only a gorgeous green space, but an effective deterrent against fly-tipping and the build-up of rubbish and litter. They have actively seen a decline since tending to the alleyways consistently. Moreover, the locals have gotten creative with repurposing rubbish left behind into new homes for their plants to grow.

One man’s old bathtub is another’s new planter!

Not only has the project reduced anti-social behaviour, but it has really genuinely enhanced the community in Moss Side. The vibe walking through the alleyways is the most wholesome display of community that I have experienced in some time, so different from the anonymity of city-centre apartment blocks. Residents sit in the alleyways with cups of tea and biscuits, chatting with one another and admiring their hard work. Many residents stopped and chatted with us, telling us who planted what, how they went about it, and how happy with the space they are. The sense of pride that they have in their homes and their community is so wonderful to see and be a part of. And they should be proud, as the space that they have created is genuinely inspiring to witness.

Visiting the alleyways themselves was like peering into the pocket of a green utopia. We spoke to the residents of Origin Alley, and learnt about how it was once nicknamed The Secret Garden by the children that lived there. She explained that they planted lots of wildflowers and so may seem more unruly compared to some of the other alleys, which were more uniform in their tidy plant pots. They were actually growing a clover and wildflower lawn, and had been informed by a volunteer for The Bee Sanctuary Movement in Levenshulme about the benefits of clover for bees, and so integrated clover into their wildflower mix. She described how the children that lived nearby often walked over the cobbles barefoot, safe and free to reconnect with the nature effectively in their back garden. In the middle of this alleyway was a small decking area with a handcrafted bench and some chairs. It was a beautiful communal space for the residents to come together.

The range of plants we saw was incredible! From fresh raspberry and strawberry plants, to an enormous fig tree on Cloudy Alley. There were Kniphofia and hydrangeas. A host of native British wildflowers such as foxglove, campanula and dark mullein. To top it off we found a few different container ponds full of wildlife. It was so beautiful and rare to feel so immersed in nature only a stone’s throw from the main road

As much as the event was about strangers visiting and having a look at what community coming together can be like, it was heart-warming to see neighbours connecting which each-other. We overheard many conversations of people telling each other which alley they lived on, some not realising they were only a few doors down from the other. They also came together to offer support and encourage neighbours to join in on funding requests for their own alleyways. Local urban gardener Yaz (@mcrurbangardener) had even baked a delicious bundle of treats that she left out for visitors to take with a small donation. The generosity of the residents was as fruitful as the plants that surrounded us.

The Moss Side Alley ways started at Platt Fields Market Garden and stretched all the way to Oxford Road, just behind the Whitworth. Sadly we did not visit every alleyway, but we would love to go back and explore some more next year! We are so thankful for the generous, welcoming atmosphere that the residents brought to the event, and for their openness in sharing their space with us. It was genuinely inspiring to see, and we have come away very excited to start planting wildflowers in our own garden! We even have a little memento to get us started, as the gorgeous map produced is made from wildflower seeds. These touches to the event are ingenious and made the whole thing feel really exciting to be a part of.

As a final note, we spoke to residents about a petition close to their hearts and their community. Their request is for a safe crossing on Platt Lane to access Platt park, with the aim of keeping their children safe, make the park more accessible, and deter speeding cars. Please click on the link here to sign the petition, and give something back to a community that has given so much to improve itself and its surrounding area!

I hope you feel as inspired as I do by the residents of Moss Side, and I encourage you to knock on your neighbour’s door tonight and build the bonds within your community. Maybe you’ll make a friend, or maybe you can come together and create something as beautiful as the Moss Side open alleys.