Old Spring Wood Community Garden
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting community action on climate and environmental issues Nifty successfully applied for funding from the Shipley Area Fund to co-create a beautiful community garden on a neglected green area in Shipley. The area, which sits within the boundaries of Northcliffe Park, has huge potential as an environmental and community asset but suffers from localised flooding and waterlogging, and is underused.
Nifty developed a plan for the garden, and carried out a community consultation with local residents in partnership with two local organisations, Fruit Works and YORgreencic. The community garden now boasts an additional 200+ trees and shrubs, colourful wildflower strips and spring bulbs, a variety of native bog-loving plants, fruit trees and bushes, accessible paths, a bench made from recycled materials and a lovely insect hotel. We also have three fantastic planters, built by Shipley and Saltaire Men’s Shed, filled with herbs for community-use. This work is ongoing and we continue to meet regularly for working parties and celebration events. This summer, we even installed a smashing Little Library!
As a Shipley resident and keen community gardener herself, Jen has managed the project on behalf of Nifty on a goodwill basis and Nifty funded the herbs in the planters. Jen was awarded Biodiversity Champion in the Shipley Town Council Community Awards in 2025 in recognition of the impacts of this project.
Nifty developed a plan for the garden, and carried out a community consultation with local residents in partnership with two local organisations, Fruit Works and YORgreencic. The community garden now boasts an additional 200+ trees and shrubs, colourful wildflower strips and spring bulbs, a variety of native bog-loving plants, fruit trees and bushes, accessible paths, a bench made from recycled materials and a lovely insect hotel. We also have three fantastic planters, built by Shipley and Saltaire Men’s Shed, filled with herbs for community-use. This work is ongoing and we continue to meet regularly for working parties and celebration events. This summer, we even installed a smashing Little Library!
As a Shipley resident and keen community gardener herself, Jen has managed the project on behalf of Nifty on a goodwill basis and Nifty funded the herbs in the planters. Jen was awarded Biodiversity Champion in the Shipley Town Council Community Awards in 2025 in recognition of the impacts of this project.
BEFORE ...
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... AND AFTER!
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A smashing Little Library built by the Shipley and Saltaire Ladies and Men's Shed
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A common spotted orchid which is starting to spread and thrive in the area!
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