Working Together in the Gardens: Our Partnership with the Milldale Group

By Jessica – Volunteer, Friends of Barshaw Park

Milldale Group comprises young adults with a variety of learning disabilities and/or autism plus associated health difficulties who attend a Renfrewshire Day Centre. They are a wonderful group of individuals with fabulous personalities and great enthusiasm, keen to learn and engage with us here at Barshaw Park. 

Since 2025, they have attended the Community and Walled Peace Gardens with workers on a weekly basis, participating in a multitude of manual tasks, learning activities, and gardening associated projects with the aim of bringing enjoyment, stimulation and mutual benefit to all involved. 

What we’ve been working on

Over the past year, the Milldale group has taken part in many activities across the gardens, including:

🌼 Creating a wildlife ‘Bed & Breakfast’
Together we built a large wildlife habitat designed to support insects and small creatures. The finished structure even has its own sign and is officially open for “bookings”.

🌱 Making wildflower seed bombs
The group crafted wildflower seed bombs designed to attract pollinators. These were also shared as thoughtful gifts for family and friends.

🐦 Taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
We joined the national event by observing and recording birds visiting the gardens, while also filling and placing bird feeders to help support wildlife during the winter months.

🍂 Seasonal garden care
Volunteers and the Milldale group have worked together on essential garden tasks such as wood-chipping paths, clearing leaves, planting bulbs, propagating herbs and helping to revive the garden’s hanging baskets.

🥕 Growing food in raised beds
To make gardening accessible for everyone, vegetables are grown in raised planters. These include onions, leeks and carrots which can later be used by the cooking group. The beds also feature fragrant mint varieties, creating a wonderful sensory experience for visitors.

A partnership that benefits everyone

The time we spend working alongside the Milldale group brings enjoyment and stimulation for everyone involved. The sessions are not only about gardening, but also about connection, confidence and shared achievement.

We’re incredibly grateful for the energy and positivity the group brings to Barshaw Park each week, and we’re excited to continue developing this partnership.

Looking ahead

With new ideas already forming, we’re looking forward to many more projects together throughout 2026.

The gardens continue to grow thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, partner groups and the wider community.