The Maxwell Centre: growing food, growing together
In Dundee’s Hilltown, an old church hall and disused builders yard have been transformed into something extraordinary: a thriving community garden where everyone — from toddlers to retirees — can dig in, learn, and connect.
Since opening in 2007, the Maxwell Centre has become much more than a garden. It’s a hub of life where over 70 volunteers, aged between 12 and 90, come together to grow food, share skills, and support one another. On any given day, you’ll find young children hunting for bugs, volunteers swapping tips on compost, or groups of local people of all ages sitting down together for a hot, home-cooked lunch made with produce grown just metres away.
The project is one of over 50 community groups supported through the Dundee Changemakers Hub to take practical climate action and build resilience for the future. Dundee Changemakers was awarded £55,000 as part of Foundation Scotland's funding for Community Climate action Hubs.
Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland, and the Maxwell Garden makes the most of every ray. Four local schools and three nurseries have their own patches, where pupils plant, nurture, harvest — and most importantly, eat — the fruit of their hard work. From bulb “lasagnes” to bug hotels and bird feeders, the activities help children discover the joy of growing, many for the first time. For those without gardens at home, the Maxwell is their only chance to connect with nature in such a hands-on way.
The centre is led by CEO Alison Goodfellow, integrating services that support the community to feel better and do better in life. The MAX Support, MAX Youth and MAX Garden teams, alongside volunteers like John, Sue or Gibby and Duncan have created a place where community and climate action are woven into everyday life.
“Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Get the soil under your fingernails. It grounds you — it just makes you feel good. You forget your worries, even if just for a few moments. And every time we grow food here, it means fewer air-miles on our plates, less packaging, less waste. It’s a simple act that helps people, the planet, and our community all at once,” says Manuela de los Rios, Maxwell Garden Coordinator.
A youth board of local teenagers advises the adult board, ensuring decisions stay relevant to younger generations. These young leaders roll up their sleeves alongside older volunteers, taking part in everything from planting to even dressing up as mushrooms at community events — proving climate action can be both fun and impactful.
Nicola Macnee, who facilitates the Big Grow initiative, has seen first-hand how transformative the garden can be:
“I’ve watched people arrive here feeling isolated and leave with new skills, friendships, and confidence. For me, it’s incredible to be part of that journey — helping someone discover they can grow their own food, or just giving them a safe space to feel welcome. We teach people that you don’t need to buy everything, you can grow your own food! It’s so much better for us, and of course it is so much better for the planet! This place changes lives, and you can feel it the moment you step through the gate.”