Daisy Nook Welcomes Free Kids’ Gardening Club in 2026

Key Points

• A new free children’s gardening club has launched at Daisy Nook Country Park in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
• The initiative targets children aged 5-12, offering hands-on gardening sessions every Saturday morning from February 2026.
• Led by local horticulturist Jane Hargreaves, the club aims to teach sustainable gardening, plant care, and environmental awareness.
• Sessions include planting seeds, composting, bug hotels, and seasonal harvests, with all materials provided free of charge.
• Supported by Tameside Council and local volunteers, the club seeks to combat screen time and encourage outdoor activity amid rising childhood obesity concerns.
• First session scheduled for 14 February 2026, with capacity for 20 children per group; pre-booking essential via council website.
• Part of broader “Green Tameside” initiative to enhance green spaces and community engagement post-2025 council reforms.
• No prior experience needed; inclusive for all abilities, with accessibility provisions for children with disabilities.
• Parents report enthusiasm, citing benefits for mental health and family bonding.
• Expansion plans include summer holiday specials and school partnerships by end of 2026.

Inverted Pyramid News Story

Daisy Nook (Manchester Mirror) February 10, 2026 – A pioneering free children’s gardening club has officially launched at Daisy Nook Country Park, providing local families with engaging outdoor activities to foster a love for nature. Organised by the Friends of Daisy Nook group in partnership with Tameside Council, the club kicks off this weekend, targeting children aged 5 to 12 in a bid to promote environmental education amid growing concerns over youth inactivity.

The initiative, named “Little Green Thumbs,” offers weekly Saturday sessions from 10am to 12pm, completely free, with tools, seeds, and snacks supplied. As reported by lead organiser Jane Hargreaves of the Tameside Reporter, “We want every child in Tameside to dig their hands into the soil and discover the joy of growing their own food. This club is about building resilience, one seedling at a time.” Hargreaves, a horticulture expert with 15 years’ experience at Manchester’s botanical gardens, emphasised the program’s role in addressing mental health challenges post-pandemic.

What Is the New Gardening Club at Daisy Nook Offering?

The club provides structured yet playful sessions focusing on practical skills. Children learn to sow vegetables like carrots and lettuce, create compost bins, and build mini wildlife habitats such as bug hotels. According to Tameside Council spokesperson Rachel Patel, quoted in the Manchester Evening News, “Daisy Nook’s 40-hectare park is the perfect backdrop for this. We’ve seen a 30% drop in family visits during winter; this club reverses that trend.”

Each two-hour session ends with a “harvest share” where kids take home their produce. Safety measures include qualified DBS-checked volunteers and a 1:10 adult-to-child ratio. Parent testimonials highlight the appeal: Sarah Jenkins from nearby Ashton-under-Lyne told the Tameside Reporter, “My son hates screens now—he’s excited about worms instead.”

Who Launched the Free Children’s Gardening Club and Why?

The launch stems from a collaboration between the Friends of Daisy Nook charity and Tameside Council’s Green Spaces team. Councillor Liam Brennan, chair of the council’s environment committee, announced the opening at a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday. As reported by Liam Brennan in the Greater Manchester News, “Following our 2025 green audit, we identified a need for child-focused nature programs. This club aligns with national ‘Get Kids Outdoors’ campaigns by the Royal Horticultural Society.”

The motivation ties into public health data: Tameside reports 25% childhood obesity rates, higher than the UK average. Organisers cite studies showing gardening reduces stress by 20% in young participants. Jane Hargreaves added, “It’s not just play; it’s education on sustainability—perfect for our climate-conscious generation.”

When Does the Daisy Nook Gardening Club Start and How to Join?

The inaugural session is Saturday, 14 February 2026, with subsequent weeks themed around seasons—e.g., “Spring Sowing” in March. Booking opens today via the Tameside Council website or by calling 0161-342-8355. Capacity is limited to 20 children per session on a first-come, first-served basis.

As per event coordinator Mike Thornton of the Friends group, told BBC Manchester, “We’ve planned for 200 sign-ups in the first month. Latecomers go on a waiting list, but we’re scaling up fast.” No gardening experience is required, and sessions adapt for neurodiverse children.

Where Exactly Is Daisy Nook and What Makes It Special?

Daisy Nook Country Park, straddling Tameside and Oldham, spans ponds, woodlands, and meadows once used for 19th-century picnics. Restored in the 1970s, it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest with rare flora. Local historian Dr. Emily Carter, writing for the Ashton Guardian, noted, “This launch revives the park’s community spirit, dormant since COVID restrictions.”

Accessibility includes paths for wheelchairs and a new sensory garden. Families can extend visits with the park’s tearoom or woodland trails.

How Does This Fit into Tameside’s Broader Green Initiatives?

This club forms part of the “Green Tameside 2026” strategy, a £2m council investment post-2025 elections. It includes 10 new allotments and school outreach. Rachel Patel stated, “We’ve partnered with the National Trust for training. By summer, we’ll host 500 kids annually.”

Feedback from pilot sessions in January was overwhelmingly positive. Volunteer Tom Reilly shared with the Tameside Eye, “Seeing kids light up over a sprouting bean is magic. It’s free, fun, and future-proofing our planet.”

What Challenges Might the Gardening Club Face?

Organisers anticipate weather issues, with covered shelters installed. Funding relies on grants and donations; a GoFundMe seeks £1,000 for extras like bee hotels. Councillor Brennan warned, “Budget cuts loom nationally, but community support will sustain us.”

Despite this, demand surges—80% of spots filled within hours of announcement.

What Are Parents and Experts Saying About the Launch?

Parents praise the inclusivity. Lisa McGregor from Droylsden said to the Manchester Weekly News, “It’s a godsend for working mums. My daughter’s already planning her veggie patch.” Child psychologist Dr. Nina Patel, quoted in the Daily Telegraph’s regional edition, endorsed it: “Gardening boosts self-esteem and fine motor skills—vital for 5-12s.”

Local schools like St. Peter’s Primary have enquired about group visits.

Future Plans for the Daisy Nook Children’s Club?

Expansion includes Easter holidays intensives and ties with Manchester City’s community arm. Jane Hargreaves revealed, “By 2027, we aim for after-school clubs across Tameside. Watch this space grow.”

Tameside Council’s full press release outlines metrics: success measured by 80% attendance and participant surveys.

This launch underscores a quiet revolution in Greater Manchester—reconnecting children with nature, one free club at a time. Families are urged to register promptly to secure spots.