With food costs rising and many families having limited access to fresh produce and green space, Green Heart Den offers a practical, welcoming solution. The garden brings local people together to grow their own food, learn new skills, and connect with nature - supporting confidence, life skills, and community.
A growing space designed for everyone, built on two plots of previously derelict land, Green Heart Den features:
- A green open space surrounded by flower beds and benches
- A polytunnel and a series of raised planter beds for a community “grow your own” scheme
- A formal community area with seating for up to 100 people, a kids’ play area, a barbecue area, and a pizza oven
Local individuals, groups, and companies each tend their own areas and plots, with many third sector partners involved, including mental health and addiction services (The Well, CADAS, Mind) and schools across Barrow. The space functions as a practical example of supporting wellbeing by helping people spend time outdoors, learn, and connect.
With support from Ørsted’s Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund, Green Heart Den has:
- Expanded raised beds and seasonal planting
- Introduced regular volunteer grow days and family-friendly workshops
- Offered free, fresh produce to local residents
- Hosted inclusive community events (from festive gatherings to pizza nights)
- Funded essential infrastructure (beds, tools, storage), seeds and compost
- Covered coordination time to scale growing and outreach safely
These improvements are enabling the garden to broaden participation, deepen partnerships with local charities, and open conversations around health and wellbeing in a friendly, low-pressure environment.
Adam Bearpark, ROLE at Green Heart Den said: “Green Heart Den is about more than gardening. When families can sow, grow, and take home fresh produce, it lifts confidence, sparks conversations, and brings people together. With support from Ørsted, we’ve expanded our beds, created safer, more accessible growing spaces, and welcomed even more local partners and residents to learn and share.”
Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Senior Advisor & Community Benefit Fund Manager said: “Green Heart Den shows how access to green space and locally grown food can strengthen wellbeing, skills, and community spirit. We’re proud that the Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund is helping the team scale their impact across Barrow, creating a greener, healthier future that everyone can be part of.”
Through the Green Space Education - From Earth to Table activities, families and volunteers learn practical horticulture, seasonal eating, and cooking skills. The programme connects seed to plate - and people to one another - building confidence and life skills that support wider social and economic regeneration. Participants gain experience that can help them start new projects, access training or education, or move into employment.
If you’d like to get involved or learn more about Green Heart Den visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenheartden/
Or want to learn more about the Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund visit: grantscape.org.uk/fund/orstedcommunityfunds/walney-extension-community-fund
About Marsh Street Arches & Gardens CIC and Green Heart Den
Marsh Street Arches & Gardens CIC manages Green Heart Den - an open, user-friendly urban green space in the centre of Barrow. Food production is at the heart of the project, with extensive collaboration across the third sector to deliver green-oriented social activities. The garden connects people to the outdoors to build confidence, life skills, and community - contributing to broader social and economic regeneration.
About Ørsted’s Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund
The Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund supports local community initiatives that promote wellbeing, skills, and environmental resilience in areas near the Walney Extension offshore wind farm. The Fund enables projects like Green Heart Den to expand their reach and impact.
Notes to editors
Project focus: Green Heart Den Refurbishment Project; Green Space Education – From Earth to Table
- Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
- Grants awarded: £5,000 and £22,500
- Delivery highlights include infrastructure upgrades (beds, tools, storage), seeds/compost, coordination time, volunteer days, family workshops, free produce distribution, and inclusive community events
