Celebrating Our Quality Panel Manager's Success

Amanda’s journey began four years ago when her neighbourhood was plagued by fly-tipping and neglect. What was once an unsightly and unsafe area has since blossomed into a vibrant community hub, thanks to Amanda’s passion for engaging her neighbours and transforming the space.

“I’ve always had an inspiring vision for this place,” Amanda shared. “It wasn’t just about cleaning up the rubbish—it was about bringing the community together to create something beautiful and sustainable. It’s so much more than a garden; it’s a shared space that reflects the collective pride of our residents.”

The garden now features planter boxes filled with colourful flowers, a communal seating area, and even a small vegetable patch where children can learn about growing their food. Amanda has made it her mission to involve every generation in the project, from hosting volunteer clean-up days to organising social gatherings that bring neighbours closer together.

Through her efforts, Amanda has not only transformed the ginnel but also the spirit of her community. “It’s amazing to see the children so excited about helping out. They’ve become curious about the plants, and some have even asked about growing vegetables. It’s fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in them, which is heartening,” Amanda added.

Manchester City Council has further supported these initiatives, with Neighborhood Officer Emily Littler playing a pivotal role in assembling teams to help. Their collaborative efforts have seen projects like the Bee Sanctuary in Highfield Country Park flourish, showcasing what can be achieved when communities work together.

Q&A with Amanda Walsh: Champion of Levenshulme's in Bloom Award

Q: Congratulations, Amanda! How does it feel to win the Ginnel Garden Award?

Amanda: Thank you! It’s incredibly surreal, to be honest. When I started this project, it wasn’t about winning an award but cleaning up the alley and making it a space we could all enjoy. So, being recognised for something I’m so passionate about is fantastic.

Q: What inspired you to start this project?

Amanda: The alley was a real eyesore—rubbish was everywhere, and it didn’t feel safe. I realised that if I thought this way, my neighbours probably were, too. I wanted to create a space where people felt proud and wanted to spend time. I’ve always believed that community involvement is vital to long-lasting change.

Q: How did you get your neighbours involved in the project?

Amanda: It started with small conversations, really. I knocked on doors and explained my vision to people, and thankfully, many were on board from the start. We held clean-up days, and soon, more and more people—especially the children—wanted to get involved. It’s been incredible to see how invested everyone has become.

Q: What was the most challenging part of the transformation?

Amanda: The initial clean-up. There was so much fly-tipping, and it was overwhelming at first. But once we got a few people together, the momentum picked up. It’s amazing what a few dedicated hands can achieve. The other challenge was maintaining that momentum—keeping people engaged over time. But thankfully, everyone has been supportive.

Q: How do you see the future of the ginnel garden?

Amanda: I’m hopeful! Now that we’ve won this award and have the support to continue developing the space, I think it will only get better. I’d love to see more people take ownership and maybe even expand into other communal areas. And I’m excited to continue involving local children, teaching them about gardening and sustainability—it’s something they can be proud of as they grow up.

Q: What advice would you give to other communities wanting to start similar projects?

Amanda: Start small, and don’t be discouraged by the challenges. It’s important to talk to your neighbours and get them involved early on—once people see the potential of the space, they’ll want to be part of it. And don’t forget that it’s not just about the physical transformation; it’s about building relationships and creating a space where people feel connected and safe.

Q: Lastly, what’s been the most rewarding part of this journey for you?

Amanda: Without a doubt, seeing the sense of pride in the community. People are genuinely excited about the space now, and it’s brought us closer together. Watching local children take an interest and ask questions about gardening—that’s been a highlight for me. It’s about creating a lasting impact, and I feel like we’ve only just begun.