Plant Swap
2026-05-31 12:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | St Anne’s Community Garden, 152 Beech Hill Ave, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN6 7TA, United Kingdom
Our next Sunday session is also our annual plant swap! If you have sown too many seeds this year or just have plants that you’ve fallen out of love with, bring them along and grab some new ones.

We host this each year, and it’s always a great event with so many interesting plants. We love seeing what people bring along and there’s usually plenty to share
We can help divide or provide pots for split plants, etc. We have spare compost, etc., if needed.

We also have plants and seeds here to offer out, so you can just pop along for af ree plant too, even if you have nothing to share.

It’s always super family-friendly and free to attend. We have kids’ toys in the garden and usually a few biscuits to share. Just drop in

Tell your friends!

31st May 12 – 3pmSt Anne’s Community Garden, Beech Hill Ave, WN6 7TA

Balsam Bash & Walk in Elnup Woods
2026-06-07 11:00 - 12:30 | Elnup Woods, Parkbrook Lane, WN6 8AF
Join us for a guided walk in Elnup woods and bash Himalayan Balsam as we find it.
Meet up at the woods entrance on Parkbrook Lane, WN6 8AF on 7th June at 11am
This is a fun and satisfying activity for everyone, as we all enjoy the beauty of these ancient woodlands along Mill Brook.
Though this plant can look lovely, it is extremely prolific and invasive, and it’s a danger to our native woodlands, rivers and canals. So let’s all pitch in!
We will help everyone to identify the correct plants, and will show the correct method for bashing
The walk is suitable for families and adults; it’s around 1.6 miles long loop and has steps and uneven paths. We’ll be walking, but stopping and starting a bit, so we expect it to take around 1.5 -2 h
You don’t need to book, but if you want to text 07768202818 to let us know if you’re coming, and we’ll know to wait.
Volunteer balsam bashing events can make a real difference in protecting our waterways. You can read more about the dangers to native wildlife and our rivers here canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/canal-and-river-wildlife/canal-and-river-invasive-species/himalayan-balsam

Event organised by the Community Patch CIC and funded by National Lottery Environment fund

Step Into Nature - Guided Woodland Walk
2026-06-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Greater Manchester
Our free monthly guided woodland walk – Step Into Nature.
The next walk together is on 26th June, 10am at Beech Hill Park on Gidlow Lane, WN6 8RQ and will be led by Victoria – we’ll gently enjoy the sights and sounds of these beautiful woodlands through the seasons.
Starting in Beech Hill this month, we’ll explore local woodlands now we’re coming into Spring, a perfect way to get outdoors, meet new friends, and discover hidden corners of our local green spaces. The walk is approximately 3 miles along with some uneven paths, bit of a hill and few small steps, and is free to attend.
It is muddy, and we don’t mind a bit of rain, so dress for the weather!
It will be the 4th Friday of each month at 10am. The starting point may alter very slightly month to month, but we will make sure to update you.
Booking is preferred, but not necessary. It’s just so we know to wait for you. Or if you prefer to text that’s fine, 07768202818

Gardening Together Sunday Session
2026-06-28 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-30 12:00 - 15:00 | St Anne’s Community Garden, 152 Beech Hill Ave, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN6 7TA, United Kingdom
Join us in the community garden on the last Sunday of each month for our weekend session – 12 – 3pm, for some company and gentle movement in the outdoors.
At the community garden, we tend to several raised beds, borders, a greenhouse, fruit trees, and a wildlife pond together. We grow all kinds of fruit and veg, and there is often produce or plants to take home at the end of a session.
There are always plenty of different jobs to do and things to learn. Anyone is welcome to attend – just show up, there’s no need to book, and no skills are required as all training and tools are provided.
Children and families are always welcome. We’ve got garden toys and always invite young people to join in with planting and garden jobs if they want.
Please dress for the weather – sessions always go ahead unless it’s pouring with rain. We’ll post on socials if it’s off for any reason.
The space is accessible by wheelchair.
Address
St Anne’s Community Garden, 152 Beech Hill Ave, Wigan, WN6 7TA
There’s free parking outside, and it’s accessible by bus

Wild Crafts - Nature Paint Brushes
2026-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 | St Anne’s Community Garden, 152 Beech Hill Ave, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN6 7TA, United Kingdom
Wild Crafts is a new spring programme of fun nature-based creative sessions for families in Wigan.
A great way to try something new and creative together – inspired by nature. Some events are drop-in, some you can book in advance – all are free and suitable for the whole family.
Join us between 10pm – 12pm at St Anne’s Community Garden in 20th July, WN6 7TA, to have a bit of fun making nature paintbrushes. We will hunt around the garden for beautiful leaves and flowers to make our own natural paintbrushes, then we’ll work on a giant painting together outside.
All materials and full guidance are provided.
Free – booking required, no booking required, just drop in
All children must be accompanied.
This programme of events is kindly funded by Curious Minds
Event organised by The Community Patch CIC, a local non-profit working to increase biodiversity in Wigan and bring people together in nature.

Step Into Nature - Guided Woodland Walk
2026-07-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Greater Manchester
Our free monthly guided woodland walk – Step Into Nature
The next walk together is on 21st July, 10am at Standish Wood Lane, WN6 8RA and will be led by Victoria – we’ll gently enjoy the sights and sounds of these beautiful woodlands through the seasons. Please note, this month it’s on a Tuesday, not the regular Friday!!
Starting in Beech Hill this month, we’ll explore local woodlands now we’re coming into Spring, a perfect way to get outdoors, meet new friends, and discover hidden corners of our local green spaces. The walk is approximately 3 miles long with some uneven paths, a bit of a hill and a few small steps, and is free to attend.
We don’t mind a bit of rain or sunshine, so dress for the weather!
It is usually the 4th Friday of each month at 10am. The starting point may alter very slightly month to month, but we will make sure to update you.
Booking is preferred, but not necessary. It’s just so we know to wait for you. Or if you prefer to text that’s fine, 07768202818

The Secret Life of Butterflies - Family Activity
2026-07-22 10:30 - 12:00 | St Anne’s Community Garden, 152 Beech Hill Ave, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN6 7TA, United Kingdom
Welcome to the world of butterflies and moths!
Want to see a real-life caterpillar up close? Here’s your chance! With their little suction-cup feet, which help them climb branches, and their ability to camouflage themselves from predators, they’re fascinating creatures.
Join us in the community garden – 22nd July 10:30am – 12pm to experience for yourself.
Did you know that caterpillars don’t have the best eyesight? They find their way through vibrations, usually through faint (or really fluffy) hairs on their body, and through smell to find food.
Did you also know that caterpillars can be fussy eaters? Caterpillars have a host plant, or several host plants. A caterpillar would rather starve itself than eat something they don’t want. They’re a bit like a three-year-old who doesn’t like vegetables!
Finally, caterpillars become goo in their cocoons, where their whole body changes shape. But, miraculously, butterflies retain some memory from their caterpillar stage!
Want to find out more – or hold a real caterpillar? Then come along to our workshop!
Free to attend, no booking required.

We’ll also have our regular gentle community gardening session.

St Anne’s Community Garden, Beech Hill Avenue, Wigan WN6 7TA (In between the church & the community centre)

This event is funded by the National Lottery as part of a year-long programme of family environmental events in Wigan Borough, helping us support community action and care for local green spaces.
Event organised and facilitated by The Community Patch CIC
Any questions, please email us on hello@giveitagrowwigan.co.uk

Family Bug Hunt
2026-07-26 12:00 - 15:00 | St Anne’s Community Garden, 152 Beech Hill Ave, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN6 7TA, United Kingdom
Join us for a bug hunt in the community garden!Free, family-friendly, and all bug-hunting equipment is provided! Let’s see how many you can spot!
26th July – 12 – 3pm

We’ll also have our regular gentle community gardening session.
St Anne’s Community Garden, Beech Hill Avenue, Wigan WN6 7TA (In between the church & the community centre)

This event is funded by the National Lottery as part of a year-long programme of family environmental events in Wigan Borough, helping us support community action and care for local green spaces.
Event organised and facilitated by The Community Patch CIC
Any questions, please email us on hello@giveitagrowwigan.co.uk

Make Mini Eco Gardens - Play Day
2026-08-05 10:00 - 12:00 | St Anne’s Community Garden, 152 Beech Hill Ave, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN6 7TA, United Kingdom
We’ve got even more good stuff coming up for families! 5th August is National Play Day! So we’re having a little celebration in the community garden and a good play. We’ll be making mini gardens together to take home

5th August 10am – 12pm
Children Must be Accompanied
Free to attend
St Anne’s Community Garden , Wigan, WN6 7TA

Event organised and facilitated by The Community Patch CIC
Any questions, please email us on hello@giveitagrowwigan.co.uk

Blackberry Picking
2026-08-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Gidlow Field, Newman Ave, Wigan, WN6 7PA
Our annual family blackberry pick is back! This year it’s on 12th August at 4pm, at Gidlow Field WN6 7PA. Please bring a basket, bag or container.
After we’ve picked some, we’ll make a quick crumble with some of them and share a sweet treat together!
I’ve checked, and there are still plenty of blackberries despite the drought!

Free to attend12th August at 4pmChildren must be accompaniedGidlow Field, Buckley Street West, Wigan WN6

Step Into Nature - Guided Woodland Walk & Forage
2026-08-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Greater Manchester
Our free monthly guided woodland walk – Step Into Nature.
The next walk together is on 28th August, 10am, starting at Scot Lane Bridge, WN6 7NL, and will be led by Victoria – we’ll gently enjoy the sights and sounds of these beautiful woodlands through the seasons – and try something new as we get into spring.
Starting in Springfield this month, we’ll walk on the canal, a perfect way to get outdoors, meet new friends, and discover hidden corners of our local green spaces. The walk is approximately 2 miles long and flat – suitable for wheels.
We don’t mind a bit of rain, so dress for the weather! Or bring water if it’s a hot day
It will be the 4th Friday of each month at 10am. The starting point may alter very slightly month to month, but we will make sure to update you.
Booking is preferred, but not necessary. It’s just so we know to wait for you. Or if you prefer to text that’s fine, 07768202818
