As part of our commitment to social responsibility, our Environmental Sustainability team recently took part in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) away day at Platt Fields Market Garden — MUD (PFMG), a thriving community-supported agriculture site in Fallowfield. This former bowling green has been transformed into a flourishing urban garden, producing over a tonne of food annually while improving biodiversity, soil health, and air quality.

PFMG is more than just a market garden; it serves as a vital community hub offering a range of volunteering opportunities. Our team spent the day assisting with gardening tasks, learning about sustainable food production, and contributing to the upkeep of this valuable green space. Volunteering at PFMG allows individuals to develop horticultural skills, build connections, and support Manchester’s local food economy.

Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD), which runs PFMG, offers various programmes for those looking to get involved:

• Open volunteering (Fridays & Saturdays, 10am-4pm): Help in the garden, enjoy a fresh cooked lunch, and support a pay-it-forward scheme. No prior experience is needed.
• Regular events: PFMG hosts yoga sessions on Friday mornings and a farmers’ market on the first Sunday of every month, featuring fresh produce, local honey, sourdough bread, and more.
• New growers programme (Mondays, 11am-3pm): A year-long course running from July 2025 to June 2026, funded by Natoora.
• Nature for Health (Mondays, 10am-3pm): Wellbeing gardening sessions, funded by the People’s Health Trust.

Why Get Involved?

With its proximity to University halls, PFMG is an accessible and impactful way for staff and students to engage with the local community. University staff can request up to three days of paid leave per holiday year (pro-rata) to participate in volunteering activities, making it easier to contribute to causes like MUD.

MUD also operates two additional sites: Forever Fields and Beswick Urban Growers, further expanding opportunities to support sustainable urban agriculture.

• For more information and to sign up for volunteering, visit MUD Volunteer Portal.
• Stay updated with events and initiatives by following PFMG on Instagram.