VOLUNTEERS and library staff have transformed a disused car park into a community garden thanks to support from a council grants scheme.
Darfield Library’s community garden features bespoke planters, a sheltered bench seat and a ‘mud kitchen’ where children can enjoy playing with natural materials.
It has been designed to be accessible to all, with planters set at different heights.
The £9,000 grant - secured from the ‘Pride of Place’ initiative - funded materials such as planters, trellis fencing, a water butt, bedding plants, bark chippings, seeds and tools.
It also paid for six willow-weaving workshops and the creation of a willow sculpture at the heart of the garden.
The result, those behind the scheme said, is a vibrant and welcoming space for the community to come together and engage with their environment.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “The community garden is fantastic - it has transformed the library’s surroundings, as well providing a space for socialising, relaxation and learning new skills.
“It not only enhances the environment but also provides educational and recreational opportunities.
“It is a welcoming space where children and adults can learn about biodiversity, water conservation and gardening.
“We’re proud to have supported this project through our Pride of Place grants scheme, which is all about enabling community groups to enhance the environment.
“With its commitment to biodiversity and ‘growing our own’, it also embodies our aim to create a more sustainable Barnsley.
“I look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will continue to have for Darfield.”
The Pride of Place scheme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by the council’s Stronger Communities team.
The grant award process was overseen by a series of panels convened in November and held over six months.
All bids were carefully considered to make sure that the chosen projects aligned with the fund’s objectives.
In total, the council’s awarded more than £500,000 in grants ranging from £5,000 to £30,000 to a variety of projects delivering a range of benefits.
So far, more than 50 projects have been realised thanks to the cash.
Coun Cain added: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to support and empower our local communities.
“The scheme has enabled us to invest in our heritage, our environment and our people and to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents.
“We are proud of the grant recipients’ achievements and the impact they are making on their communities.
“We will continue to encourage community-driven initiatives by fostering collaboration and engagement.”
