Manchester’s nature-filled 'city haven' to host up-coming RHS Urban Show
03.04.2024 - 14:39
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
In a nod to the flourishing urban gardening trend sweeping the city, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced its first-ever Urban Show.
The RHS has singled out Mayfield Depot for the indoor show (18 - 21 April) for its enticing proximity to the new Mayfield Park, giving show visitors the chance to experience this rare gem in the heart of the city centre and to tap into its rich horticultural offering.
Mayfield Park - the first city park in Manchester for 100 years - has been transformed from a derelict, former industrial site in a densely populated part of the city, into a biodiverse landscape that provides a nature-filled haven for visitors to enjoy.
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Called ‘an inspiring benchmark for the park of the future’, the 6.5 acre site is now home to a mix of water and wetlands, trees and wildflowers, play areas and rain gardens.
A stretch of previously concealed River Medlock that runs through the park has been opened up, high walls taken down and embankments created, to generate a wet-dry habitat encouraging the beginnings of a new ecosystem which is already home to a rich variety of fish, birds and plant life.
The soft, almost wild planting design follows a naturalistic aesthetic that crosses the line between civic space and urban garden, something that is completely at odds with the average park in the UK.
Guests will get the opportunity to hear from the designers, architects and developers responsible for Mayfield's ongoing regeneration with the chance to hear about the future of the area.
There will also be free guided park tours available during the week, led by the team behind the award-winning Mayfield Park.
RHS