Memorial garden opens in Brinnington

A once?derelict concrete patch outside the Brinnington Community Hub has been transformed by local volunteers into a memorial garden.

Brinnington Memorial Garden has been created thanks to a collaborative vision from residents, Groundwork Greater Manchester, Stockport Council, and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Green Spaces Fund.

Conceived in 2022 by Brinnington Big Local and Green Thumbs, the garden honours those lost during the COVID?19 pandemic and serves as a tranquil space for reflection, togetherness, and learning.

Groundwork led co?design workshops, while Stockport Council and the Green Spaces Fund provided essential funding.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services at Stockport Council, said:

“The Brinnington Memorial Garden is a poignant example of community spirit in action. It commemorates loved ones while providing a lush, welcoming space—supporting healing, learning, and connection.”

Opened this Spring, the garden boasts community?planted seasonal blooms, benches for quiet reflection, and a flexible layout for workshops and gatherings. Green Thumbs volunteers will host events on gardening and ecological awareness in the coming months.

Julie, Chair of Green Thumbs and Brinnington Big Local, shared:

“We always said we wanted a greener Brinnington, and we wanted more areas for people to use.

“People think we were helping them, but we weren’t. They were helping us; it gave us a real purpose.

“The Garden is more than a memorial—it’s a hub for wellbeing, environmental education, and community cohesion.”