In 2023, two NESST members who live on Woodhead Road contacted the group about a large unused Council planter. They wanted to see it filled with plants and flowers to benefit wildlife and residents, as the road has little greenery. A group from NESST engaged with the local residents, worked with the council to take over the planter and secured grant funding of £2000 from Kew Gardens, through an initiative called Grow Wild. The grant has enabled us to purchase the plants and work with Fran Halsall from Regather Garden Services, to design the garden and make a plan to carry out the project.
The raised planter is surprisingly large (100 square metres), and was left as bare earth two winters ago, when shrubs were removed. The planter will have a tree and nectar rich mostly native perennials, for pollinator and biodiversity value. Local residents are hugely supportive, and we’re hopeful it may spark wider interest in improving some of the other neglected green/brown spaces nearby.
In May 2024 we began work on the planter. NESST volunteers were joined by local residents to dig and litter pick. The soil was easy to dig, as it is probably bought in topsoil. We were treated to a delicious drink made with saffron and honey from a nearby resident.
After clearing, the planter was covered with cardboard, to suppress unwanted plants and help retain moisture. 100 square metres is a lot of cardboard to find but fortunately a nearby bike shop had plenty. The cardboard layer was wetted thoroughly. The following day we had a large delivery of mulch which was spread evenly over the planter. This held the cardboard down and also helps retain moisture.
Planting day around a week after mulching, a hot day to plant over 300 plants! After moving mulch away from the area where the plant was to go, holes were carefully made in the cardboard, the plant put in and then the mulch replaced. The plants will be watered by residents and the group when needed.
The design incorporates some paths within the planter which will give us access to water and carry out maintenance. These paths also divide up the design into different sections, including: tall herbaceous mix, spring bulbs and late flowers, wildlife attracting herbs, native meadow mix and woodland wildflowers for the shaded area under the tree. The tree will be planted by the Council next winter. Design by Fran Halsall, Regather Garden Services
One of the work days on the planter coincided with a match at Bramall Lane, and hundreds of home supporters were walking down Woodhead Road to the football ground. Some stopped to ask us what was happening and were friendly and supportive. Their support is key to the success of the planter, as well as the support of residents.
In September 2024, the group held a celebration party at the planter with live music, food and hot drinks. There was a ‘find a flower’ quiz, games for children and information.
The planter in October. The ‘lollipop’ indicates where the tree is to go. It will be planted during the winter 2024-25