Story & photo:Vivien Urwodhi
A picnic took place in the Parkwood Forest Garden on Sunday 22nd April at 12 noon, where interfaith group members gathered for a tour around the garden.
Tim Shortland, Forestry Manager, introduced some species of trees and shrubs. He spoke about the benefits of those trees that had been planted. Some had vertical wooden supports to protect them from toppling in bad weather. Some of the tallest trees in the garden had to be pruned to keep them in order.
The trees planted include: white mulberry, 3 varieties of apple, 2 varieties of pear, cherry, alder, plum and gage and shrub species such as: sea buckthorn, eleagnus, goji berry, saskatoon and various other berries and currants. These trees and shrubs provide food for humans, animals, and insects.
The Sheffield Interfaith Group and Community Forestry team are coming together to further develop and manage the garden. They are completing works such as canopy removal, weeding, clearing the pond and dead trees to open out the view and help the productivity of the garden.
During the picnic day it rained for some time, but fortunately all the attendees came prepared for muddy ground and puddles. Everyone brought some food to share in the green garden which sparkled with conversation before they rushed to take part in the inter-faith Walk, which started at 2 o’clock.