Shieling Shares (Winter 2025)
Shieldfield’s public spaces are for everyone - Let’s make decisions together - Join the Shieling Group!
The Shieling Programme (bit.ly/DSShieling) is part of Dwellbeing Shieldfield.
The Shieling Group cares for Shieldfield’s public spaces. We organise food growing, litter picking, and work together to make our neighbourhood a better place for everyone.
This Autumn....
At the Dwellbeing Shieldfield Annual General Meeting we used a 3D model to show people the spaces we are working on in the neighbourhood and to hear their ideas. We displayed the t-shirts we wear on our walkarounds. We hope they encourage people to find out more about the Shieling Group - if you spot us out and about, do say hello!
Litter picking as part of our Neighbourhood Care Walkaround
Beside the Multi-Use Games Area is a small patch of rough grass. This is our Community Wildflower Meadow. It is looked after to encourage wild flowers and insects. This year, it has been kept fairly free of litter and it has grown a good variety of wild plants. On 29th October around 10 volunteers scythed and mowed about two-thirds of it, under the guidance of Cain from Wild Intrigue. We cut to leave an outline of the old mill that used to be on this site. We found some lovely mauve-coloured late-flowering yarrow.
Some of the cut grass was left in the far corner to create a shelter for wildlife. The rest was taken away and composted. This is to reduce the fertility of the soil on the meadow. If the rank grass is taken away each year it enables more small flowering plants to survive and to provide nectar for insects and a more attractive meadow. A different 2/3 will be scythed next year so that there will always be a proportion of uncut growth to help seed; and to provide stems for insects to shelter in, during winter.
At the Shieldfield Harvest Festival we had a great time giving thanks for what we've grown in the garden, sharing what we're thankful for, making harvest bunting, and feasting in community together. We also celebrated Shieldfield Art Works 15th birthday with a cake.
Celebrating SAW’s birthday at the Harvest Festival
Coming up this Winter....
Please join us at our free event celebrating the Winter Solstice on Saturday 20th December 2-4pm, at SAW. Wrap up in your cozies or don your finest sparkles to celebrate the shortest day of 2025. Our Community Chefs will share warming winter recipes and we'll provide winter remedies to boost wellbeing over the coming months. Expect garlic planting by torchlight, hot chocolate, circus skills and more!
Last year’s Winter Solstice Celebration
Winter Solstice garlic planting at Henry Square
Get involved?
We welcome new members. No special experience is needed, just an interest in caring for Shieldfield. There are opportunities for gardeners, DIY-ers, writers, social media folk, artists, hosts, event planners, poster-makers, nature enthusiasts. Is there a skill you might bring? Our group is shaped by the people in it.
Find out more how to join the Shieling Working Group by messaging WhatsApp 07593 769 129
Come along our meetings on first Tuesday of each month, 3.30-5pm at the Forum Cafe
Chat to us in person at a Dwellbeing event, or spot us in our vibrant t-shirts at the next walkaround!
Even if the Shieling Group is not for you, we would love to hear what you think about our neighbourhood, the places you love and the dreams you have about the future. We’re planning to install some comment boxes around the neighbourhood so that you can let us know.
In the meanwhile you can share your feedback via Whatsapp 07593 769 129 or info@dwellbeingshieldfield.org.uk