Food Works are launching new volunteer sessions at Carver Fields this autumn, with weekly Tuesday sessions (9:00–12:30 from 8 September) and monthly Sunday sessions (from 13 September). Due to road closures on Hagg Lane, volunteers are asked to park at the top of the Lane and walk down.
The autumn work focuses on preparing the site for spring vegetable growing and some autumn crops, including tidying the top paddock, mowing overgrown areas, making the gate safe, and creating veg beds using cardboard and topsoil or compost. Food Works are also exploring the reuse of topsoil from nearby works and plan to plant native hedgerow trees from the Woodland Trust to improve wildlife corridors.
Food Works are keen to hear ideas from local residents. They’ve already spoken with a neighbour about creating a herb garden, and Crosspool Forum has offered a couple of picnic benches for the site. Conversations are also underway with scout groups, local schools, and Holly Hagg farm to explore how the project can benefit the wider community.
A drop‑in event will take place on Sunday 13 September, 11:00–2:00pm, where residents can discuss bench locations, maintenance needs, planting ideas and potential community projects.
If you’re not able to make it on the 13th, please do drop Bethan an email: bethan@thefoodworks.org
Yorkshire Water have confirmed they will proceed with installing a large underground water‑storage tank on part of Carver Fields, using statutory powers under the Utilities Act. The project is expected to take approximately 18 months and will require access for the delivery of equipment, excavation and soil removal. Construction, installation and the subsequent reinstatement of the land. Some disruption and periods of restricted access should be anticipated throughout the duration of the work. Enquiries should go through Yorkshire Water’s customer line on 0344 848 1099, quoting YW.205212. Residents are encouraged to keep a record of any communication and let the Methodist Church in Sheffield know Tel: 0114 272 6561 / 0114 299 7130http://www.sheffieldcircuit.org.uk so they can maintain a coordinated overview of the community concerns.
Despite the constraints, activity on the site can now move ahead. We are pleased to confirm a new partnership with Food Works, who will begin using the top paddock for growing and community activity. Their approach focuses on affordable, nature‑friendly food, environmental improvement, and hands‑on involvement for residents, schools, and local groups. Access to the site will remain open and encouraged.
The partnership will develop in phases:
Phase 1: Building relationships and engagement, starting with an open picnic in May to meet the team and shape ideas together.
Phase 2: Early visible activity, including initial growing beds and small seasonal projects.
Phase 3: Longer‑term development of the site, planned alongside the Yorkshire Water works, leading to a sustainable model of growing and community use.
Carver Fields still holds significant potential. The Food Works partnership provides a positive starting point, bringing immediate activity and a clear direction. Over time, this can grow into wider community events, volunteering, and improvements to access, paths, fencing, and tree care.
Our aim is to ensure Carver Fields remains an active, safe, welcoming space shaped by the needs and ideas of local people. Further updates will follow as work progresses.
In response to growing church members and community interest in enhancing the local environment, the Crosspool Forum has been successful in securing Sheffield City Council LAC funding to help improve Calver Fields.
With this support we are looking to install two new picnic tables around the edge of the field, creating a welcoming spot for residents to meet, relax, and enjoy the space. The bench tables will sit on a recycled plastic Anchor sleeper‑style base.
This grant helps continue protecting the natural character of Calver Fields while making it an even better place for Church members and the community.
Just a quick message to share some information from Tim Birch about the bird‑song walks he’s now offering. Tim will be leading his first session in Ecclesall Woods on Saturday 18 April, running from8:00 to 9:30am. It’s a gentle, welcoming introduction to tuning in to the sounds of our local birdlife.
Tim’s wider mission is to help more people reconnect with nature through the simple joy of birdsong. He’s also very open to running walks in other parts of Sheffield, and he’s particularly keen to support activities that help younger people build a stronger relationship with the natural world. If cost is an issue for any group or organisation, he’s more than happy to discuss reduced or no‑fee options.
If you’d like to arrange a walk, explore possibilities for your area, or just find out more, Tim’s contact details. Email: birdsongwalks@gmail.com
The maintenance of public gardens, such as the flower beds at Lydgate Green on Lydgate Lane, is often the result of the tireless efforts of community volunteers and local gardening enthusiasts. These individuals dedicate their time and skills to ensure that these green spaces remain vibrant and welcoming for all to enjoy. Their work not only involves the physical labour of planting and upkeep but also the knowledge of horticulture to select suitable plants and maintain them throughout the seasons. The result of their commitment is a testament to the power of community spirit and the shared value placed on natural beauty and communal well-being.
While their contributions may sometimes go unnoticed, the lush flower beds and manicured lawn edges stand as a silent tribute to their passion for gardening and their love for the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity for community members to connect with nature and each other, enhancing the local environment while forming lasting bonds. For inquiries or to lend a hand, the group can be reached at crosspoolforum@gmail.com
Walking Friends Meet new people each month through walking and having a cuppa together afterwards.
WALK 1- LODGE MOOR TARA HQ, 53 Westminster Crescent Monday 22nd April 10.30am monthly short walk on flat paths
WALK 2- BROOMHILL Broomhill Community Library Thursdays monthly coming soon medium-Length walk with a bit of incline
WALK 3 – CROSSPOOL Corner of Den Bank Drive with Hagg Lane Wednesday 24th April 10.00am monthly Longer walk with uneven paths and inclines. To book, please contact: wellbeing@broomhill-library.org.uk or phone 0114 2734276
A rare sight of waxwings in the Rowan trees attracted many birdwatchers to Manchester Road in Crosspool over the past week.
The waxwings are migratory birds that usually visit the UK in winter, but their numbers vary depending on the availability of food in their native Scandinavia.
The twitchers, as they are known, were delighted to observe the colourful and crested birds feasting on the red berries of the Rowan trees. Some of them shared their photos and videos on social media, generating interest and admiration from other nature lovers.
