A Blossoming Oasis of Tranquility Opens in South Seacroft

A once derelict piece of land in the heart of south Seacroft has been transformed into an urban green space known as the Seacroft Forest Garden. This ambitious project, spearheaded by local residents John and Linda Otley, will be officially opened by Zulfiqar Ali Karim, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11am. The grand opening will mark the culmination of two years of hard work and dedication from the community.

Spanning 0.62 acres between South Parkway and St James Approach, the Seacroft Forest Garden is the result of over 1400 volunteer hours contributed by the local community. Corporate volunteering from organisations like Lloyds Banking Group, RSK Group, the NHS Development team, Leeds City Council Engagement Officers, and EDF Energy has also played a significant role, contributing 372 volunteer hours.

For John and Linda Otley, who have been living in Seacroft for many years, the dream of transforming the abandoned land into a vibrant green oasis has finally come true. John Otley expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s been transformed, thanks to the commitment of local volunteers, into an oasis of tranquility. It is an ideal way to use an otherwise redundant area of land, to increase access to green space for local residents and improve local biodiversity.”

The project received full support from the Leeds City Council Housing department, who own the land. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, the executive member for climate, energy, environment, and green space, lauded the initiative, stating, “We are happy to support this local community project, as part of the council’s commitment to improving access to green space, promoting biodiversity and achieving net zero. We look forward to seeing Seacroft Forest Garden become a popular and well-visited attraction enjoyed by people of all ages in the months to come.”

Seacroft Forest Garden follows the principles of forest gardens, offering numerous benefits to the community, wildlife, and the environment. Local residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the freshly harvested produce, such as the first strawberries already collected from the site. Additionally, the lush green canopy of trees provides ample shade and fosters a sense of community among visitors and volunteers.

Beyond human enjoyment, the garden also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife. Beetle-friendly log seats and nesting areas for birds are just some examples of how the Seacroft Forest Garden supports local fauna. The initiative also contributes to broader environmental efforts, with more trees planted to store carbon and protect local species.

This visionary project is the brainchild of Climate Action Seacroft, a group of passionate residents striving for a happier, healthier, and greener Seacroft. Funding for the Seacroft Forest Garden was secured through the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund, as part of the broader Climate Action Leeds program. This citywide, community-led movement is dedicated to achieving a zero-carbon, nature-friendly, and socially just Leeds by the 2030s.

Linda Otley, co-founder of the initiative, expressed her delight with the garden’s development and warmly welcomed all to the grand opening. “It has been very hard work, with just a handful of regular helpers, and we would love more volunteers to get involved,” she said, encouraging people to come and experience the special spot they have created.

As Seacroft Forest Garden opens its gates to the public, it is bound to become a cherished haven, providing respite for residents, supporting wildlife, and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the entire community.