In 2002 Sue Mitchell took several of the children from the Brookhouse Estate in Crewe under her wing with the aim of teaching the youngsters lifelong learning skills in the art of growing plants and also to have respect for the environment around them. This initial venture was at Sue's own house and within a short space of time it was clear that new initiatives needed to be developed in order to keep the growing number of youngsters occupied. Several elderly persons gardens within the immediate area were given a makeover but once this had been done a long term project needed to be thought of to keep the growing army of children interested and occupied.

 

It was at this point that Sue contacted the Borough Council with a view to taking on two allotment plots on the nearby Claughton Avenue site. The Council's Allotments Officer agreed to provide the two plots free of charge and to carry out some initial work in the form of rotovating to get the group started. BUGS (Brookhouse Urban Gardens Scheme) was born and at present there are ten children working under the supervision of Sue and Les and the group is thriving and attracting interest from the media with articles in the local press and even a visit to the plot by the local radio station. Future plans include a visit by the Countryside Ranger to teach the children more about the flora and fauna of the locality.