Our Programmes

One unique aspect of our model is the unprecedented diversity of programming that we are developing at Northern Roots. We have developed seven activity programmes, designed to harness and showcase the full power of urban greenspace:

1. Food and Farming: To date we have developed the first 4.5 acres of our Urban Farm, producing over two tonnes of crops. In time we will develop ten acres of Snipe Clough Farm, applying the farm team’s skills in organic, permaculture and natural farming. We will farm the wider site to raise livestock, plant orchards, and harvest foraged and woodland products. Our crops and products will be showcased in our farm to fork Café and Shop.
2. Nature Recovery: Over the last four years we have improved 18,000 m2 of habitat against biodiversity baseline, created four new ponds, planted 2,500 trees and hedging plants, and removed an acre of invasive species. By 2050 we plan to enhance the biodiversity of the site by 25%, capturing 30,000 tonnes of carbon in our woodlands and soils.
3. Natural Health Service: In the last two years we have worked with local GPs, charities, hospitals, cancer and mental health services to support over 400 people experiencing anxiety, depression, social isolation, addiction, cancer, diabetes and chronic pain. We are at the forefront of building the evidence needed to support the expansion at scale of green social prescribing in the UK. We have participated in the world’s first randomised control trial into green social prescribing for mental health, and demonstrated double the average improvement to participant mental health and economic benefit, according to an NHS England impact report.
4. Arts, Heritage and Culture: Since 2023 we have engaged over 8,000 local people in arts, culture and heritage activities and events at Northern Roots. With support from Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund we are supporting local people to unearth, share and celebrate the rich heritage of our site and town. Through a varied programme of visual and performing arts we are animating the site and supporting the growth of the local creative economy.
5. Learning and Skills: We’re developing Northern Roots as a living curriculum in regenerative land management. We have worked with over 20 partner organisations to pilot learning and skills activities from Early Years to Further Education. In 2026 we have welcomed 350 staff and students on our schools learning programmes.
6. Business and Enterprise: We are building a community of small businesses at Northern Roots. We offer space and access to an audience. They bring their passions, expertise and networks. Together we are creating a unique, supportive circular economy which delivers for people, planet and place.
7. Sports and Play: We have created our initial Play Area, including facilities for children with disabilities, and for teenagers. In future we will develop site wide play, cycling and walking trails, a bike hub, sports pitches and a wild swimming pond.