Our group
We believe that it is easier and much more enjoyable to grow your own food if you do it as part of a group where people from all walks of life can support and learn from each other.
In order to achieve this, we formed a Co-operative, uniting to run a community smallholding, working towards a common vision, sharing the rewards and responsibilities and all contributing to the running of the group.
Each member of the cooperative contributes to the group financially (depending on income) and with their time and expertise. For information about how to become a members follow the Membership link.
For more information on co-operatives and the values and principles that we follow , go to the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooperative
In order to achieve this, we formed a Co-operative, uniting to run a community smallholding, working towards a common vision, sharing the rewards and responsibilities and all contributing to the running of the group.
Each member of the cooperative contributes to the group financially (depending on income) and with their time and expertise. For information about how to become a members follow the Membership link.
For more information on co-operatives and the values and principles that we follow , go to the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooperative
Our aims
As a group we aim to:
- Work together towards a lower carbon lifestyle, reducing our dependence on imported food in preference for a more sustainable model based upon local food production and self-reliance. We seek to provide inspiration, information and encouragement to anyone who wishes pursue this aim.
- Share the knowledge and skills that we develop through experience with members and others.
- Improve the local environment and increase awareness of ecological and environmental issues.
- Promote and support the wider social and health benefit of outdoor activity.
- Have fun and make friends!
- Develop a food growing community, based on shared values and passions, and lasting, supportive and respectful relationships.
Our history
We started the project in November 2009, and have been building the group,found land, forming the organisation, and holding events over the last year.
In Autumn 2010 we formed a partnership with a community allotment group and are meeting regularly on their plot (affectionately known as ‘Lotti’) to help them make it more productive. We have entered a steep and exciting learning curve discovering first hand what works and what doesn't
Our most recent triumphs include the construction of a polytunnel, compost bins, a children’s platform and den and a wildlife pond.
We are already reaping the rewards of labour and are looking forward to regular bumper harvests. Follow the link to find out what sort of things we are growing and harvesting .
You can keep up to date with our activities on the Hillside News page of this website.
In Autumn 2010 we formed a partnership with a community allotment group and are meeting regularly on their plot (affectionately known as ‘Lotti’) to help them make it more productive. We have entered a steep and exciting learning curve discovering first hand what works and what doesn't
Our most recent triumphs include the construction of a polytunnel, compost bins, a children’s platform and den and a wildlife pond.
We are already reaping the rewards of labour and are looking forward to regular bumper harvests. Follow the link to find out what sort of things we are growing and harvesting .
You can keep up to date with our activities on the Hillside News page of this website.
Our funding
- We will seek to find ways of covering our costs by:
- charging a membership fee;
- holding fundraising events;
- charging for some services; and
- applying for grants for major developments.
- Income we generate will be invested in the development of the land and other locations for food production in the vicinity, the facilities we can provide and in the events we organise. We aim to set aside 10% of the produce to be made available to organisations working with disadvantaged groups in Sheffield.
Thanks to:
We owe a considerable amount to many who have helped us with advice, ideas and finance including:
- UnLtd – who have awarded Nick Rousseau a grant to help get this off the ground
- Sheffield City Council (SCC) who have provided support in many forms, most recently in providing a grant from its Climate Change Fund.
- SCEDU
- Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS)
- Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens
- Sheffield Cooperatives Development Group (SCDG)
- Business Link
- Sheffield College
- Soil Association
- Landshare
- Rivelin Valley Conservation Group