SLI is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities through gardening and environmental projects. Members come together to grow fruit and vegetables organically, share resources, food and recipes, and learn about sustainable practices that support the natural environment. Beyond gardening, SLI fosters a sense of community, encouraging members to enjoy each other’s company while contributing to shared goals. SLI membership demonstrates a commitment to promoting environmental awareness and adopting sustainable practices to improve overall quality of life. It is a forum for sharing ideas and skills, inspiring collaborative projects focused on growing and using food sustainably.
We are looking for volunteers to help with work on various projects at the community garden such as:-
Environmental projects
We are developing different ecosystems at our Marlpit site to enhance the biodiversity and resilience of the environment supporting our ability to grow food, herbs, trees and a broad range of non-edible plants. From its origins as a horse paddock we aim to regenerate the soil by applying different approaches including No Dig and permaculture, with extensive composting to minimise waste of natural resources. Recent projects have included successful grazing of wetland meadow and establishment of a wildlife pond. We are working to implement the recommendations of a biodiversity survey for the whole site.
Orchard care
Our trees planted 12 years ago need annual pruning and maintenance. Our crops are healthy and shared by members and local schools and communities.
Community produce bed
Our communal beds and polytunnel are managed to grow crops to share with our volunteers, both for our shared lunches and for preserving as chutneys and jams to raise funds. Our soft fruit and rhubarb beds are prolific.
Forest Garden
We've been working since 2015 to develop a field full of couch grass, nettles and brambles to plant the majority of trees that make up the forest garden. We now have a mature ecosystem where we can relax in an environment resembling a natural woodland but designed to deliver a rich harvest while providing most of its own nutrients.
Over the past year, we have gathered hazel nuts, medlars, quinces, small persimmons, cherries, mulberries, grapes, jostaberries, Japanese wineberries, raspberries, rosehips, poles for use on plots, willow rods for basketry, honey, beeswax, leaves and flowers for cooking and salads, edible tubers, spices and herbs.
Herb garden
We have an herb garden with a wide variety of plants, both culinary and medicinal. Our members are encouraged to crop and use them, and they enhance our monthly communal lunches.