New community garden opens for local residents in Weoley Castle

Locals in Weoley Castle can now enjoy a brand-new community food growing space and Green Gym, thanks to funding from Mondelēz International, as part of its Health for Life® programme.

Located in Shenley Community Centre, the newly opened 40 sq ft space offers local residents the chance to participate in free outdoor Green Gym sessions, providing them with a chance to get active, enjoy nature and learn how to grow their own produce, including potatoes, tomatoes and onions.

Green Gyms are part of the Health for Life initiative, delivered by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and funded by Mondelēz International. They are designed to give the local community opportunities to meet, garden and develop skills in an outdoor environment that supports both personal growth and wellbeing.

Locals interested in joining the free activity and food-growing sessions can head to the Shenley Community Centre each week, with sessions taking place every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm. The sessions are completely free and open to participants of all ages and abilities.

Ahead of the launch, 10 Mondelēz International employees from the Bournville site volunteered at the space, helping to clear the overgrown area and build raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables, moving over four tonnes of earth to fill them. The team also helped to improve access around the site by clearing pathways.

This is the 21st Health for Life community food growing site created via the programme and TCV in the heart of Birmingham, and follows the launch of a similar space at Milebrook Community Centre in Bartley Green in 2023.

Since 2011, Mondelēz International’s Health for Life scheme has helped 266,600 adults and children stay active, eat well and grow their own produce at home or in the community through engaging initiatives delivered in nurseries, schools and across Birmingham.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, said: “We’re incredibly proud to fund the Health for Life scheme and to see the initiative go from strength to strength.

“Through projects like this, people of all ages are developing important skills, making new connections and enjoying the benefits of gardening and outdoor activity in a safe, welcoming environment, which is exactly the kind of positive impact the Green Gyms aims to achieve.”

TCV offers a range of activities through Mondelēz International’s Health for Life programme to individuals and community groups across South Birmingham – including Weoley Castle, Bartley Green, Northfield, West Heath, Edgbaston and Bournville.

Glenn Powell, team leader at TCV, added: “Our Green Gyms are more than just gardening -it’s about empowering local communities to make healthier choices, develop new skills and enjoy time outside. Since our recent launch, it’s been inspiring to see Weoley Castle participants of all ages getting hands-on with gardening, learning about healthy eating and enjoying time outdoors, and we hope more locals can join us for our weekly sessions!”

Joanne Deakin, Shenley Hall centre coordinator, said: “The community garden project has been a fantastic partnership between Bournville Village Trust and the Conservation Volunteers.

“It has transformed not only the grounds of our centre but the spirit of our community. It’s become a vibrant space where people of all ages can come together to learn, grow, and connect.

“We’ve seen increased engagement and a renewed sense of ownership and pride from residents. This partnership has truly helped build a new wellbeing experience for Shenley and its community.”

For more information on Mondelēz International, visit www.mondelezinternational.com, and to find your local Green Gym, head to www.tcv.org.uk/greengym/.