He began about a year ago, turning wilderness into attractiveness. Norman, who is an active member of Todmorden in Bloom, had the idea when the group were discussing how they could involve more local people to improve the outlying parts of Todmorden.

The narrow strip of land belongs to Calderdale Council. Permission was sought and given to maintain the land and garden. Many years ago a crowded cluster of old buildings and coal staithes occupied the strip of land.

You can find a picture of how the area used to look in one of Roger Birch's "Todmorden Album" books.

Calderdale Parks and Streetscene Section initially pruned trees and cut back shrubs and bushes to clear the area. Despite working a full week, Norman is often at his garden labouring from 7 am in the morning and says he's now looking forward to the lighter evenings to put in even more hours!

Norman has had help from passing local people. They have donated snowdrops and other bulbs, plants from their own gardens and snippets of information as to what used to be at this roadside strip of land.

It is thought that there was a chip shop, a pub, cottages and access to the dye works under the stone arches.

When you look closely, you will discover heathers, numerous perennials, dozens of bulbs, flowering trees and shrubs. Norman hopes to soon be planting extra herbs, trees and shrubs as time allows. He expects to have to wage war against Himalayan Balsam, the pretty but wickedly invasive plant; also Japanese Knotweed which is even more difficult to control.

Our grateful thanks to Norman. If you wish to get involved in greening up Todmorden or your own patch closer to home, please get in touch with Todmorden in Bloom on 01706 814438 or log onto its website.