Station Sanctuary
Station Sanctuary is a new biodiverse garden created through a partnership between Network Rail, the National Trust, Sow the City, and Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH). Together, we have transformed an underused grey space outside Piccadilly Station into a vibrant, welcoming garden for commuters, visitors, and local residents.
"In Greater Manchester, the National Trust is working closely with local partners like Network Rail and Sow the City to connect people, nature and heritage in meaningful ways, and to understand and remove the barriers that too often stand in the way. This garden is a joyful example of that vision coming to life."
Natalie Daring, National Trust, Greater Manchester Urban Senior Programme Manager, National Trust
Station Sanctuary
Station Sanctuary has been created through an innovative partnership, bringing together placemaking, urban greening expertise, and the local community to co‑create a welcoming garden at the heart of the city. Sow the City co‑designed the garden with women from MASH, shaping a space that offers a moment of calm and relaxation for commuters, visitors, and those living in the city, amid the bustle of Piccadilly Station.
The garden features 40 modular hexagonal planters, pillars, and seats, many of which were built with support from local community groups. Through nature‑led design and pollinator‑friendly planting, the garden enhances urban biodiversity and contributes to a healthier local ecosystem.
Sow the City’s landscape designer curated a planting scheme using drought‑tolerant species that can thrive in challenging city conditions while supporting local wildlife. In early spring, bright crocuses will bloom, offering vital food for bees as they emerge from winter. As the seasons progress, herbs such as thyme, chives, and oregano will bring colour, scent, and pollinator activity. Into autumn, flowers like Mexican fleabane and verbena will keep the garden buzzing with life. Together, these plants create a beautiful, low‑maintenance space that supports pollinators and boosts biodiversity.
The garden will be enjoyed by commuters, visitors, and residents as a calm, nature‑rich space in the heart of the city. Details on how the public can get involved in sessions such as seed sowing, nature crafts and with nature ID will be shared on the garden’s Instagram: @PiccadillyStationSanctuary, do follow for updates.
