From research to reality: how our Edible Wall is growing food, skills and community
When people think about climate action, they often imagine large-scale solutions. But sometimes the most powerful changes start much closer to home.
At Healthy Me Healthy Communities, our Edible Wall demonstrates how research, community action and local food systems can come together to create practical solutions to challenges facing our cities. Supported by the University of Manchester and Farm Urban, the project turns innovative growing techniques into real benefits for local people and the environment.
Responding to a changing climate
Climate change is making food production increasingly unpredictable, while many urban communities have limited access to green space. The Edible Wall explores how alternative growing methods can help address these challenges. Using vertical growing technology, crops can be produced year-round in a controlled environment, providing a reliable source of fresh food regardless of weather conditions.
Just as importantly, the project gives local people the opportunity to learn new skills and explore innovative approaches to sustainable food production.
Research in action
At HMHC, we believe research should create real-world change. The Edible Wall is a great example of research in action, bringing together academic knowledge, specialist expertise and community experience. Farm Urban provided training and technical support, while the University of Manchester has supported wider exploration of sustainable urban growing. Local residents have then taken that knowledge and made it their own.
What started as an innovative project has become a thriving community-led initiative shaped by the people who use it.
Building sustainable local food neighbourhoods
The Edible Wall forms part of our Good Food Gorton approach to creating sustainable local food neighbourhoods. Produce grown on the wall is harvested and distributed through our Community Grocers, often travelling only a few metres from growing to plate. That means fresh food with virtually zero food miles and a direct connection between local food production and local residents.
Volunteers regularly listen to customer feedback and adapt growing plans based on local demand. This has created opportunities to grow more culturally appropriate foods, including varieties that are difficult to grow outdoors in the UK climate. By combining local knowledge with new growing technologies, the project helps connect food production directly to the needs and preferences of local residents.
Community development in practice
What makes the Edible Wall special is not the technology; it's the people behind it. Volunteers have been at the heart of the project from the beginning, developing specialist skills through Farm Urban's training and taking increasing ownership of the project.
Many of the original volunteers now mentor new recruits, passing on knowledge and helping build the project's long-term sustainability. This cycle of learning, leadership and peer support is community development in action.
Looking ahead
The Edible Wall shows what is possible when research organisations, specialist partners and local communities work together. It is helping people learn new skills, grow fresh food, reduce environmental impact and take practical action on climate change. Most importantly, it is building confidence, leadership and resilience within the community.
For us, that's about much more than growing food. It's about growing stronger communities.
