Gardening project brings the countryside to urban Sheffield

8th August 2022

Volunteers from the Peak District National Trust and Mears Group have come together to create an urban garden for vulnerable people to enjoy.

The group joined forces over three weeks as part of the National Trust’s Urban Places project to create a calming space for asylum seekers living in temporary housing in the city. The residents were also encouraged to join in too and enjoyed the opportunity to help shape their outside space.

Mears’s maintenance team volunteered their time alongside National Trust staff to help plan, weed and tidy the area before planting a selection of plants and flowers which were donated by charity, Phoenix Futures. Staff also donated compost, terracotta posts, tools, and bird feeders.

The National Trust were also able to repair and upcycle an old wooden table and chairs to add the finishing touches. They also plan to arrange a small garden tea party to celebrate their efforts.

National Trust Volunteer and Community Manager, Deborah Webster, explained;

“This project has given us a unique opportunity to step out of the Peak District and bring a little bit of the countryside with us. Nature is a source of comfort for so many people, so it’s been wonderful to make it more easily available to people who might otherwise struggle to access it. We’ve chosen plants that will attract bees and butterflies, so wildlife will benefit too.”

Jade Raybould, Mears South Yorkshire & Humberside Partnership Manager, added:

“We had a wonderful response from all the volunteers when they heard about the project, and everyone really pulled together to create something special which provides a much-needed peaceful and calming space for vulnerable residents. Our grateful thanks to the National Trust and Phoenix Futures for all their time, help and support”.