Like many Soroptimists, Lichfield & District Club is keen to do all it can to preserve and nurture our environment. One issue discussed in our Planet sub group was the decline in the number of pollinating insects and ways in which we might help to reverse this trend in our local area.
We’re blessed with excellent Club gardeners who quickly began to think of ways to deliver on this. Not only to help our pollinating insects but also support the well-being and mental health of people in general. #Soroptimistsvolunteer
We approached Lichfield Cathedral with an offer of tidying the coffee shop garden and making the planting more attractive to pollinators and of course to the visitors who use the coffee shop and its secluded garden. The Cathedral had recently registered as an Eco Church and so was very enthusiastic in accepting our offer.
The Chapters Garden
Early June 2019 saw a small team of volunteers commencing work in The Close. The garden itself and the borders were very overgrown with the footpaths covered in tree debris and fallen leaves. There was a good deal more to do than was initially realised and unfortunately, wet weather prevailed for much of June and a good deal of July, but undaunted and equipped with garden gloves, wellington boots, secateurs, loppers, spades, forks and other gardening paraphernalia we attached the brambles and nettles. Borders were dug and deep–seated weeds rooted out, shrubs and roses were pruned and trimmed, pathways cleared and surrounding paintwork given a good scrub. Paved patio areas were denuded of moss and planters were spruced up. Evenings spent working in the peacefulness of the coffee shop garden proved to be relaxing and rewarding.
Following much hard work, the garden began to take shape. The rockery was dug over and stones eased back into position. The removal of overgrown shrubbery revealed what felt like a secret garden. Surplus plants and cuttings begged from friends and relatives were planted along with bulbs leaving high hopes of a spring garden bursting into life full of colour and vigour, teeming with pollinators and visitors.
One member of the Cathedral staff commented the garden ……”is looking amazing and you have made such a difference – it’s like having ‘Groundforce’ in each week!” Summer of 2019 saw Lichfield receive their 3rd gold awardfrom RHS Heart of England in Bloom yearly awards, with mention being made of the work that SI Lichfield and District was doing at the Cathedral.
Raised Beds near Lichfield City Station Railway Bridge
SI Lichfield and District also tends two raised beds in Lichfield City centre, adjacent to the City railway station as part of its Planet work. These beds had become overgrown and neglected.
Seven club volunteers again donned their gloves and wellington boots and armed with trowels, forks, spades and secateurs set about their work. A couple of hours later the raised beds looked refreshed although a little bare following the removal of at least a dozen bags of weeds and overgrown greenery, which was promptly recycled. Existing plants were divided and replanted and a few new ones introduced. Supported by a small grant from Lichfield City Council plans were well and truly in place for new plants to herald the arrival of spring
Throughout the winter months Lichfield Soroptimists could occasionally be spotted at Lichfield Cathedral sweeping the paths, and keeping the garden neat and tidy or weeding the raised beds in the City centre.
Once the Covid-19 pandemic is over, we will return once again to tend the garden and raised beds in the hope of attracting pollinating insectswhilstsupporting the mental health and well-being of residents and visitors in Lichfield.
UPDATE in Late May 2020, two of our members – having implemented correct social distancing and PPE measures – managed to do an extensive and much-needed tidy up of these raised beds. There weren’t many people around, but several passers-by thanked them (from a distance) for their hard work and complimented our Club on its efforts.
