The University of Sheffield Allotment Society have revealed plans to reach out and give back to the wider community.

The society has been long-standing at the University of Sheffield, however their current members are aiming to reach new goals of bridging the gap between students and local residents, through hosting a variety of workshops which are open to all.

Zac Tenquist, 22, and next year’s elected president of the society, said: “We hope to give people a space to feel safe, calm and build a community. I would love for people to come here and feel connected to nature and gain vital skills, even past that of growing and gardening.”

Their first workshop taught how to make biochar, which not only helps improve soil structure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also brings people together around a fire. 

Future plans include a willow basket weaving workshop, crafted of coppiced willow from around the allotment. 

Mr Tenquist said: “I want to try and upskill people to retain these old crafts and build resilience within a community.” 

Another way that the Allotment Society intends to extend into the wider community is through collaborating with local food banks to provide them with fresh produce, as well as recently making the allotment wheelchair accessible. 

Furthermore, the recently transformed space allows society members and the local community to come together and socialise. 

Will Everitt, the current co-president of the Allotment Society, said: “It would be cool to do more ‘community outreach’ to build connections with other universities’ allotment societies and local groups to get more people into growing.

“I joined the Allotment Society in my first year to try and make friends and, out of all the societies I tried, it was the most welcoming.”

The Allotment Society is free to join, although they encourage donations, which will go towards supplies which ultimately help to give back to the community. 

It is located in Crewe Flat’s gardens on Clarkehouse Road, and members join together every Sunday to not only work on the garden, but also sit around the fire with a cup of tea and socialise with their friends.