Show garden for UK's largest eco park to feature at RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is to feature the first step in the new project to transform 160 acres of Greater Manchester green space into an urban farm and eco park.

Northern Roots is an initiative that has been created by Oldham Council, which aims to use the green space to deliver sustainable social value, economic opportunities and environmental benefits for communities. The space is next to Alexandra Park depot in Oldham and will also focus on tourism, arts and culture, sport, health and well-being.

You may also like

• Everything you need to know about RHS Chelsea
• How to prune an apple tree
• Gardens to visit now

The festival is to feature a Northern Roots Oldham show garden to promote the development of the project. After the festival, the garden will be transported and placed at the entrance to the Northern Roots site. Peter Donegan is to design the show garden with a budget of £80,000 and the project director is Anna da Silva, programme director at RHS Bridgewater.

The project itself could cost £25 million and Oldham Council has committed £700,000 over two years. Reports are that the park could include a microbrewery, cafe and shop and activities including forestry and coppicing will be undertaken there.

RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival takes place at the palace between 1 and 7 July.