Residents helped to turn ginnels into green spaces

People in Bradford are to get practical help to turn the snickets and ginnels near their homes into green spaces, in an effort to improve wellbeing.

The project was inspired by a community group in Manningham who turned an alleyway from a fly-tipping hotspot into a space for everyone to enjoy.

The Lister Community Action Group arranged for their ginnel to be gated off, before they cleaned it up and added planters, bunting and other decorative features.

Bradford Council is working with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to offer practical help to people in parts of Keighley and Bradford to transform their own neglected outdoor spaces.

The team has made a guide available for residents to download - called The Ginnel Garden Handbook - which was put together by social enterprise Street Space, inspired by The Lister Community Action Group.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places at Bradford Council, said: "Data from The World Health Organisation shows that most types of green space have positive effects on overall mental health, quality of life and subjective wellbeing."

She said studies had found a reduced risk of depression among pregnant women and improved child mental wellbeing in areas with greater availability of green spaces.

"Initiatives like this one are hugely beneficial to our communities and we as a council look forward to working with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on this project."

Jo Rawson, community engagement manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said their way of working was rooted in "listening to communities, supporting their ambitions, and creating pathways for them to come together to reimagine their local green spaces".

"We're incredible excited to be working collaboratively across the city to co-create opportunities for people to thrive and live well alongside nature."

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