The Handsworth Community Gardens is a community-led project, which the Sheffield Wildlife Trust has been supporting since 1998. The aim of the project is to reclaim a derelict allotment site and transform it into a resource for the community. Emphasis is on promoting healthy living through outdoor activity and the production of fresh fruit and vegetables. There is also a strong link with environment, with schemes to protect and encourage wildlife in the area.

A Children’s Gardening and Wildlife Watch scheme has been set up, and their first project was to create a butterfly garden and native hedgerow.

Sheffield City Council brought in a rotivator to turn over the soil and remove the top layer to form part of the butterfly mound. Community workdays were organised to help plant 230m of hedgerow. Volunteers from the South Yorkshire Guiding Association, including Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, the Handsworth Boys Brigade and members of the Handsworth Community Group participated.

Benches were put in by SWT. Tools, volunteers and support for funding applications were also provided.