The site of the Community Garden was formerly managed by the Parks Department in the mid 1950’s. Trees, shrubs, flowers and exotic plants were grown on the site and then distributed to Parks in the north of Sheffield. Unfortunately, due to cut backs in the 1980’s, the area was no longer maintained and became a derelict site. The Friends of Ecclesfield Park, formerly known as Revitalising Ecclesfield Park & Pavilion Group took on the challenge of transforming the derelict site into a Community Garden. After raising large amounts of funding to renovate the site, the Community Garden opened it’s gates to the public in May 2012. Local residents volunteered to create a Community Garden Group.
To create, develop and maintain a Community Garden in Ecclesfield Park enabling people of any age or ability to grow plants in an informal, social and safe environment.
We work with local Schools, Community groups and the general public involving them in growing fruit, vegetable, herbs and flowers. Anyone is welcome to join in the activities in the Garden, along with attending events that we host throughout the year (these are advertised locally on posters and in local press/magazines).
Constructed in Spring 2012. Designed + Built by a Company called ‘HECTOR & CEDRIC’ who are based at Ecclesall Wood Sawmills. All the timbers used for the structure and the benches were chosen/hand picked by Hector & Cedric from the trees felled on the hillside next to Ladybower The upright poles are from the very top of the massive trees felled. The roof is lined with a membrane, covered with locally sourced top soil/compost and planted with a Perennial (local) Wild flower seed mix – ‘Pictorial Meadows’. This type of roof is known as a ‘Green Roof’ which enhances the appearance of the structure and attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden. Surplus rain water from the roof is harvested by collecting in water butts and then used to water the plants in the raised beds and containers.
A new addition in 2014 are the Herb Beds which have a North/South axis. Planted with culinary and aromatic herbs, these beds will not only provide excellent flavours to accompany the vegetablesn, but will also attract bees and other pollinators.
Initial planting of 22 Fruit Trees in February 2013 by the Community Garden Group, Forestry Ranger and local children and adults. Mixed Orchard of Apple, Pear, Cherry and Plum Trees. An additional 10 trees were planted in February 2014 by the Community Garden Group, Tinsley Tree project and Ecclesfield Secondary School students. More fruit/nut varieties were added : Mulberry, Walnut, Hazel, Medlar, Greengage, Damson and Mirabelle Cherry. Plus recent planting of Soft fruit bushes Gooseberries, Black & Redcurrants, Raspberries, along with Rhubarb plants. New in 2017, paths and a seating area have been put into the Orchard enabling us to offer Environmental activities to both adults and children.
A bug hotel has been installed, built with the help of Ecclesfield Secondary School students. We’re “giving Nature a helping hand”.
Have been planted to commemorate the First World War. The poppies will hopefully multiply over the years through self seeding. The Orchard will continue to be developed, possibly incorporating a Bog Garden in the far corner which is prone to flooding in heavy rain from the Ladycroft Stream.
Made of tanalised railway sleepers (for longevity) and filled with local reclaimed soil and organic compost. The raised beds have been built at an optimum height enabling people of any age or ability to have easy access to grow and maintain plants. Vegetables grown include : potatoes, beans, peas, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, courgettes, turnip, beetroot, squashes, tomatoes, cucumber and salad. All the plants are grown organically. Produce from the Garden is sold to local residents and at events throughout the year eg Ecclesfield Gala. Monies from the sales is then reinvested in buying more seeds/plants for the next seasons planting, helping us become self sufficient.
The Garden has to be self sufficient in providing soil and nutrients for the raised beds. The Compost bays are filled with waste plant materials from the garden , horse manure and autumn leaves from the Park. Household kitchen waste and garden waste is also brought by local residents.
COME AND JOIN US AND SEE WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE