What’s new: Potters Patch on Bucknall New Road continues to flourish, with fruit, vegetables and flowers growing despite a hot, dry summer.
By the numbers: Around 70 volunteers supported the project over the school holidays, alongside local residents and schoolchildren.
What’s next: Seasonal activities include pumpkin picking and a Halloween trail, while further recreational facilities are being explored.
Residents, schools and volunteers are helping transform a community space in Stoke-on-Trent.
A new report from delivery partners Groundwork shows the Potters Patch, on Bucknall New Road, Hanley, continues to deliver environmental, educational and wellbeing benefits for local people.
The project, supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and delivered in partnership with Groundwork, has seen significant progress over recent months despite an exceptionally hot and dry summer.
The community growing space has become a focal point for residents, schools and volunteers, providing opportunities to learn new skills, improve wellbeing and take pride in the local area. Site visits over in August also revealed a thriving environment, with fruit, vegetables and flowers flourishing across the site, including tomatoes, peppers, blackberries and sunflowers planted by pupils from St Luke's CE Primary School.
The project has also played an important role in supporting education and skills development. Students from local schools have taken part in practical activities including planting, woodwork and environmental learning, while children involved with eco clubs have been able to harvest produce and learn about sustainable food growing.
Community involvement continues to be at the heart of the project's success. Residents living near the site helped care for plants during the summer heatwave, while Groundwork welcomed around 70 volunteers over the school holidays and hosted weekly children's sessions throughout the summer.
A range of seasonal activities are now planned, including pumpkin planting, pumpkin picking during half-term and a Halloween trail, helping to encourage even more local families to get involved.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is also exploring further enhancements to the site following feedback from local residents, including opportunities for additional recreational facilities which could continue to benefit communities in the future.
Competition
win
Win tickets to see the Mediaeval Baebes at Stoke Minster
Torchlit processions, ancient songs and voices that sound centuries old, all in one of the city's most atmospheric buildings. Entering is free.
Sign up to the newsletter to enterAlready a subscriber? You're automatically entered.
Closes 11.59pm, Friday 20 November 2026. Full details and T&Cs
Photo: Rob Kelly
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities and housing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
"Potters Patch is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local people come together to improve their neighbourhood.
"The project is helping people develop new skills, build confidence and strengthen community connections, while creating a greener and more attractive environment for everyone to enjoy.
"It has been particularly encouraging to see residents, schools and volunteers embracing the project and taking real ownership of the space. Their commitment has helped ensure it continues to thrive despite the challenges posed by the hot summer weather."
For more information about community projects and environmental initiatives across Stoke-on-Trent, visit https://www.groundwork.org.uk/
Why the Signal exists
Real news takes time. Thanks for taking yours.
You've just read a story that took time to get right. No clickbait, no racing to be first, no ads chasing you down the page.
I started The Staffordshire Signal because I got fed up of local news that chased clicks instead of stories. We're independent, not-for-profit, IMPRESS-regulated and owned right here, so we answer to nobody but you.
The honest bit: local news only survives if local people choose it. If we don't, it goes.
Jenna GoodwinFounder and Editor, The Staffordshire Signal
Love what we do?
Buy us an oatcake! Cheese and bacon, if you're feeling generous. Every tip goes straight into local reporting.
Buy us an oatcakeMiss a proper paper?
Staffordshire's only regional printed magazine, full of stories worth sitting down with, delivered to your door.
Get it deliveredFollow on WhatsApp
Our stories, dropped straight into your phone. No group chat chaos, we promise.
Join the channelFind something good to do this week
Markets, gigs, history talks and family days out across Staffordshire. Running an event? Add it to our guide and let the county know.
Run a Staffordshire business?
Our readers keep the Signal going, and the businesses who advertise with us help keep it free for everyone. Reach people who read to the end, across our magazine, Signal Weekly, Signal TV and website.
Explore the heart of our county Use the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support The Staffordshire Signal’s mission to keep local news free and independent.
