We set up Manchester Urban Diggers CIC (MUD) in 2019. We have built this brand over several years and believe we are a well respected organisation and brand within Manchester.

We have experience running a social enterprise and the business management required to do so as well as experience across several industries - the VCSE sector, food growing, retail and hospitality.

PFMG is the fullest realisation of our vision for a new way of growing food with and for the community and the environment, reclaiming and protecting under-used green spaces in our cities, as an alternative to environmentally damaging intensive farming. From an empty, disused bowling green to a grassroots community hub with thousands of visitors a month. Over the years we have established a market garden, veg box scheme, a cafe, kitchen and events space as well as all our volunteer programmes.

MUD Kitchen is the name of our cafe and catering service, and the passion and skill of our chefs, are making change in our local food economy, and showcasing the delicious food that can be made with good quality, locally grown produce. The local businesses, charities and community groups we work with are a growing network of organisations passionate about sustainable food.

We have experience running a cafe, catering service, street food pop-ups and bars.

In 2021 we were invited to tender and chosen to develop the idea of a community market garden (BUG) on the grounds of The East Manchester Academy (find out more here) - after they were inspired by a visit to PFMG. In 2024, there is now a 1+ acre site which is a place for students, teachers and the general public to enjoy, destress, and learn how to grow. We designed, built, fundraised and project managed the development of the garden. Now, there is a full time grower employed by the school who we are advising on a consultancy basis.

Within the space of a year 23/24 we have fundraised, designed, built, coordinated volunteer sessions and project managed the development of a brand new community market garden - Forever Fields - at St Margaret’s Community Centre in Whalley Range.

We are now beginning to run events in collaboration with our different partners and the communities who interact with the community centre.

We have a very experienced team of staff running events at our gardens. Over the years we have established annual events at Platt Fields Market Garden which attract thousands of people. These events include workshops, live music, djs, talks, street food, bars, and dancing!

We also host our own markets including our farmers market. We know that independent traders lead to a good local economy, ethical choices for consumers and stronger communities.

We found a magic formula at Platt Fields Market Garden and are the luckiest people to be involved in the project every day but it takes hard work, dedication, persistence and a lot more.

We know that every community is different and that means every community garden will be different. We have help build grassroots communities at our gardens and our gardens have thousands of visitors every month.