Our project

We have secured the use of an abandoned community garden space in Shelthorpe Village in Loughborough, and we want to turn this space into a thriving Community Smart Garden that will provide fresh, nutritious produce to the local community especially those with limited access to healthy food, we want the garden to be a vital source of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, to contribute to biodiversity in urban areas and make a difference in climate change as well as turn the garden in to a thriving Community Hub for Learning and Social Inclusion.

We want to enhance biodiversity and to encourage people to take similar action and interest in their communities.

We want to contribute to biodiversity in urban areas and make a difference in climate change.

By being based in urban settings we have access to a lot of people and therefore have the potential of our work positively impacting a lot of people and improving their lives

We want to create a space that can provide food and relaxing, therapeutic space to people and food and habitat for wildlife, whilst the greenery of the garden will help to cool down surrounding Urban Spaces (urban heat Islands) and urban green areas can absorb water, filter out pollutants, reduces the risk of floods

We are passionate about promoting the growing of UK native plants and fungi

We want to bring people together, share knowledge and experiences

Our Garden enables a lot of people who don’t have their own gardens to have a place to go to learn with others as well as socialise

How your project will have a positive impact for biodiversity including growing some UK native plants or fungi. 

We will incorporate principles that support both the local ecosystem and wildlife such as:

Ensuring that we promote the planting native species/plants as they are adapted to local climates and soil conditions, and they provide food and habitat for local wildlife, including pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. We will therefore prioritize native plants over non-native ones to create a diverse and sustainable environment. 

We will create habitat variety, include various features like wildflower meadows, tree and shrub planting, water features (like ponds or birdbaths), and compost piles. These can attract insects, amphibians, and birds. A mix of habitats attracts different species, supporting a wider range of biodiversity

We will avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers, as chemicals can harm beneficial insects, soil organisms, and other wildlife. We will emphasize organic gardening practices, such as using natural pest control methods (e.g., companion planting, beneficial insects) and composting to improve soil health.

We will provide pollinator habit, pollinators are crucial for the reproduction of many plants, including food crops. They support overall ecosystem health. We will plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers that bloom at different times of the year. Provide habitats like bee hotels and leave patches of bare soil for ground-nesting bees.

We will promote soil health; healthy soil supports a diverse community of soil organisms that play critical roles in nutrient cycling and plant growth. We will use compost, mulch, and cover crops to improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

We will encourage seasonal changes, Different plants and animals thrive at different times of year, and having year-round interest helps sustain biodiversity throughout the seasons. We will plan for seasonal blooms, harvests, and other changes. For example, plant early blooming flowers in spring, and include fruit-bearing plants in the fall.

We will foster community engagement. When people understand the importance of biodiversity and are engaged in the process, they can become stewards of the garden and protect its ecosystem. We will host educational events, workshops, and garden tours to teach community members about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices.

We will incorporate Sustainable water practices. Overwatering or using unsustainable water sources can negatively impact the local environment. We will use rainwater harvesting systems, install drip irrigation, and select drought-tolerant plants to conserve water while ensuring plants thrive.

Who will be involved in the project and how they will benefit? 

    1. Local Residents

• Physical and Mental Well-being: Gardening promotes physical activity and can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The presence of diverse plants and wildlife can create a calming, restorative environment that improves mental health.

• Social Cohesion: A community garden encourages social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. People from different backgrounds can come together to work on a common project, building stronger community bonds.

• Access to Fresh Produce: Many community gardens provide space for residents to grow their own food, which can be particularly beneficial in food deserts or areas with limited access to fresh produce. This contributes to healthier diets and food security.

• Connection to Nature: Residents, especially those in urban areas, can reconnect with nature and learn about ecosystems, contributing to greater environmental awareness and a sense of stewardship.

2. Local Wildlife

• Improved Habitat: By planting native species and creating varied habitats (e.g., flowering plants, shrubs, and water sources), the garden becomes a refuge for local wildlife. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds benefit from abundant food sources, while birds and insects can find shelter and nesting spots.

• Food Sources: Diverse plants offer a continuous food supply throughout the seasons. For example, flowering plants provide nectar for pollinators, and fruit-bearing plants support birds and other animals.

• Increased Biodiversity: A garden focused on biodiversity contributes to a more resilient local ecosystem by supporting a variety of species, which strengthens the food web and local ecological health.

    3. Local Schools and Educational Institutions

• Learning Opportunities: Community gardens serve as living classrooms where students can learn about the environment, biodiversity, sustainability, and food systems. They can observe firsthand how biodiversity supports healthy ecosystems, and this hands-on learning fosters environmental stewardship.

• STEM Education: Students can apply scientific concepts by studying soil health, plant growth, pollination, and ecosystems. Gardens can serve as a practical tool for teaching biology, ecology, and even social studies or geography.

• Engagement in Conservation: Educators can teach the importance of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable gardening practices, inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates.