A disused air raid shelter which protected Trafford families from Hitler's bombs during World War Two now has a very different use - supporting the environment!
The shelter, located within the beautiful 45-plot Brookfield Allotment on Brook Road, Urmston, plays a very important role in helping the community allotment group adapt to the impact of climate change.
The committee and various tenants have transformed the shelter into an environmental powerhouse which supports wildlife and helps the allotment group conserve rainwater - of major importance to the environment.
The group has planted a stunning wildflower garden on the roof of the shelter and created environmentally friendly features including bee/bug hotels, insect and bird drinking stations, a hedgehog house, and frog and toad shelters. They have also planted various plants outside the bunker including verbena, foxgloves, strawberries, sunflowers, geraniums, and sweet peas.
They recently received National Lottery Funding of £1,880 which will be used to build on a current environmental project to transform an underused area into a thriving habitat to support wildlife and reduce water usage. The money will be used to harvest rainwater, build wildlife shelters, a bog garden, and to finance community events.
Treasurer Lisa Smith explained:
"The air raid shelter is an amazing historic building and, rather than let it fall into complete disuse, we decided to make it a big feature of our allotment. We have worked very hard to ensure the shelter plays a big part in our environmental project. Since World War Two, pollinators have been under threat due to the loss of 97 per cent of wildflower habitats, so it is ironic that we have planted our wildlife garden on the roof of the shelter. "
Secretary Jenny Ogg added:
"The allotment is fantastic and all our group members work very hard making their plots look beautiful and colourful. Lots of local companies have helped us - thanks to Bespoke Lofts, builder Scott Rowland, Biffa staff, and all of our tenants and local residents. Our little oasis is an environmental haven that we all love so much - we are very lucky to have it here in Urmston."
Trafford Council supports 35 allotment sites and, through its Allotment Strategy 2026-2031, aims to enhance allotment provision, promote community engagement, and support sustainable, healthy lifestyles across the borough. Its mission, titled “Growing Trafford Together”, focuses on empowering residents with access to growing spaces, promoting mental and physical well-being, supporting skill development, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering social connection and physical activity.
The Council has also made addressing the climate crisis - reducing carbon footprints, improving air quality and increasing climate resilience - a strategic corporate priority.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said:
"Allotments are vital to our borough - they promote physical and mental well-being, and allow people to grow sustainable food sources and other plants.
"We are proud of all of our allotments across Trafford. Well done to the group at Brookfield Allotment who have worked very hard on their allotment. The transformation of the World War Two shelter is inspirational. Thank you to you all."
There are two free plots available at the Brookfield Allotment site. To make an enquiry, please email brookfieldallotments@hotmail.com.