Growing Together was a two year project funded by the Big Lottery Fund Family Learning Programme that facilitated family learning through community growing projects. The project worked across the town with a range of existing community organisations.  There was a particular focus on setting up Gardening Clubs on allotment sites and at community venues.  Support was being given on growing fruit and vegetables and also on how to cook and use the produce.  This provided many opportunities to develop numeracy and literacy skills through activities such as weighing, measuring and following instructions.

As part of the project, a new community allotment site was developed at Saltersgill Allotments, with funding through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, North Eastern Co-operative and Northern Green Networks.  The site is now well used by the local community and includes growing plots, a composting area and polytunnel for getting plants started in the spring. The project has received excellent media coverage in the Evening Gazette, BBC Radio Tees and the Herald and Post.

Linthorpe is the oldest working Cemetery in Middlesbrough.  The earliest burials date back to the 17^th century, although most of the site was acquired for burial purposes in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.  The Cemetery is an important community resource, which was awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for parks in 2008.  As well as being a working Cemetery, the site traces the whole history of the development of Middlesbrough as an industrial town.  It is also a Local Nature Reserve and a valuable recreational resource.  A £1.2m restoration scheme, managed by Middlesbrough Council, was undertaken to improve the Cemetrey for local people, school groups and wildlife.  Funding came from Middlesbrough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Biffaward and Impetus Environmental Trust. The works undertaken to improve the Cemetery included the renovation of two buildings for community use, improvements to the path networks, new railings and gates, additional seating and habitat improvements.

The later stages of the project included the installation of new interpretation boards and work to the Central Space.  The Central Space was the location of the Cemetery Chapels and their location is now marked by sandstone blocks.  There are also two sculptures in the Central Space, by local artists Andy McKeown and Steve Iredale. The Cemetery has an active Friends Group and more information on the Cemetery can be found on their website www.folc.org.uk .