NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is proud to celebrate the success of Rowlands Dell, chosen as the winner of the BBC One Show’s Growing Together competition. Winning the national competition run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the BBC recognises the remarkable transformation of a disused, uninviting space into a vibrant, inclusive retreat supporting health, wellbeing, and biodiversity.
Located beside Maghull Health Centre in Merseyside, Rowlands Dell has long been a cherished natural haven for the local community. In recent months, the site underwent a collaborative restoration, supported by NHSPS and led by the Friends of Maghull and District CIC, environmental groups and volunteers. The project was shaped through public consultation and expert input, ensuring that every change and development respected the site's historic and ecological importance.
The transformation included the removal of 300 bin bags of litter and 25 tons of debris, followed by the installation of a meandering gravel path around the perimeter, making the space fully accessible and inviting for all visitors.
New seating areas, including a sunken garden and five picnic tables were added to encourage rest, reflection, and social connection. And volunteers - including NHSPS colleagues - cleared overgrown ivy, planted woodland bulbs, and installed planters, handrails, timber walls, and litter bins to further enhance the site’s usability and aesthetic appeal.
Materials from NHS tree maintenance were also repurposed to create benches and path borders, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The transformation aligns with NHSPS’ broader commitment to enabling social prescribing initiatives across the NHS estate, directly contributing to the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan by offering a practical, community-rooted way to reduce isolation, improve resilience, and promote healthier lifestyles, helping to shift the focus from treatment to prevention.
Rowlands Dell now serves as a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds, including those affected by bereavement, addiction, loneliness, and mental health challenges. It offers a place to connect with nature, build new skills, and foster a sense of community. The project has not only improved the physical environment but also created opportunities for eco-education, conservation, and personal growth with all parts of the community welcome to make use of the space and benefit from the health and wellbeing outcomes it provides.
Dr Min Rodriguez, Head of Social Impact for NHSPS said: “Rowlands Dell is a shining example of how NHS spaces can be reimagined to support community wellbeing. We’re proud to have supported this transformation and thrilled to see it receive national recognition. This project reflects the power of partnership, creativity, and care in creating places that truly make a difference.”
After receiving the award during a surprise visit from top comedy star Tom Allen at the Dell, where he led him up a garden path to receive the trophy, Dr Frank Sharp, Friends of Maghull and District CIC said: “The Rowlands Dell NHS Health and Wellness ongoing unprecedented green transformation project is a brimming melting pot of kindness which has galvanised the community, imbuing them with a sense of purpose, pride and positivity while preserving and enhancing this precious, cherished green space. It will provide an inspiring, restorative legacy haven for the community and wildlife. We are immensely grateful to so many kind people and organisations in our community and see this wonderful accolade by the BBC The One Show and RHS as a fitting tribute to our amazing community.”
Julie Jowett, RHS Senior Community Outreach Advisor commented: “Community gardening transforms lives and landscapes. Each of the amazing entries shows how it connects people, boosts well-being, and revitalises neglected spaces. This special award, in partnership with the BBC The One Show, celebrates the incredible impact of communities coming together to grow."
