We aim to grow fresh produce accessible to all families in our community.

The project is part of Climate Action Seacroft , a group of local residents who are striving towards a healthier, greener community. The group receive funding from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund and are part of the wider Climate Action Leeds project.

The garden follows the principles of permaculture where everything is edible or useful and aims to benefit all in the community, wildlife and the environment. Local residents will be able to enjoy fresh fruit, vegetables , herbs and have a peaceful place of calm to enjoy. the garden also contributes to the enironment as the trees planted will store carbon and protect local wildlife .

Seacroft forest Garden is located on a previously overgrown , derelict plot of land owned by Leeds City Council Housing . Beginning in March 2021 we had a series of meetings to explore how the group could develop the area to benefit the local community. We were kindly donated a grant by local councillors and also using Climate Action Seacroft funding were able to purchase a few tools and equipment. In August 2021 we started work on the site and spent over 8 months manually clearing the site of rubble and fly tipping. We had one person with a Brush Cutter who cut the overgrowth and mounds of grass and weeds. Others used spades and rakes to pull up vegetation so we could create a walkable access in the main area of the site.
In February 2022 we reached a real milestone and purchased 19 young fruit trees, these were planted as a starting point, over a weekend of truly terrible weather!!. In Spring 2022 we planted our first annual veg such as potatoes , cauliflower, peas, runner beans, beetroot,tomatoes and pumpkins. This resulted in us being able to donate fresh veg and over 40k of potatoes to the local food pantry and church food bank
In May 2022 we were thrilled to receive a grant from the National Garden Scheme . This enabled us to purchase more plants, equipment and seating.

In October 2022 & 2023 we held 2 apple juicing events, everyone agreed the juice was delicious

On July 22 , 2023 the garden was officially opened by Zulfiqar Ali Karim, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire

During 2022 and 2023 we have continued to clear more areas and have so far been able to plant over 60 blackberry, raspberry, red and white currant, gooseberries, blueberries and josta berry bushes . We have started planting a herb area which at the moment has 10 varieties and perennial vegetables such as Rhubarb and Jerusalem Artichoke and also have basket willow growing which will be able to be used by local community craft groups .

We have also been lucky to have Corporate Volunttering days from organisations such as Lloyds Banking group, EDF Energy, British Gas & PDF Jones. Their contribution has been amazing in helping to clear the vast amount of overgrowth and rubble underneath