Be a part of our Jigsaw Meadow!

Want to be part of something big?

Small as a window box, large as a garden – do you have some land to spare? Grow Community – Sopwell launch the Jigsaw Meadow project in March 2024 when they will ask you to spare a piece of land; window box or patio planter, so together we create a Jigsaw or wildlife ‘corridor’ across Sopwell.

Wildlife corridors are vital for the survival of our natural neighbours. They bridge the gap between habitats which otherwise would be small and isolated and join them together, allowing movement between important habitats to support wildlife populations.


Have you got a metre of land for the Jigsaw Meadow?
Think about what space you can spare for wildlife in your garden and measure it (in cm). In February we will ask you to submit measurements so we can provide you with the right amount of seeds and knowledge to create a welcoming space for bees, butterflies, ladybirds and other amazing critters.


Last year Marshalswick Community Garden created a half-acre meadow with local residents. We have already had sponsorship from Aylett Nursery and other seed companies and Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre have promised us a spot of land, but nature needs all the help it can get so we are aiming bigger!

Ask groups you know for some land for the Jigsaw Meadow.

Can you ask any local businesses, schools, faith groups – anyone with any land – to see if they can join in by donating a spot of land, big or small. Over winter have a look outside and see if there is any space that might be spared.
For more info email us here

Happiness is always sweetest when shared

They say that happiness is always sweetest when shared; and there’s nothing sweeter than these delicious apples we gathered on our first ‘Community Harvest’ collection this morning. 🍎🍏

A huge thank you to Peter who got in touch and let us pick and share his amazing fruit with others.

These will be available at the community centre, the St Albans Community Pantry and doorsteps around the Cottonmill/Sopwell area in the next few days. Keep an eye out.

We also have plans for producing crumbles, cakes and other mouth watering treats to share with friends, family and neighbours. These apples will not go to waste. 💚

If you have any surplus fruit that could be collected and distributed to other local families, please do get in touch.

Compost Workshop | Sun 15 Oct

Join us for an Introduction to Composting at Berners Drive Community Garden – this Sunday.

This is a free event but there are limited spaces, so please sign up to guarantee your place.

You are also welcome to join in our working party session from 10.30am.

Gloves and tools provided or bring your own. Just turn up.

GROW AGM 2023

Thank you to everyone who turned out for our annual review and AGM last night. With dusk descending, we were given a beautiful tour as Kate discussed the ongoing plans for the community centre before outlining future proposals, including further establishment of the orchard and wildflower areas.

Then, all back inside for AGM formalities and trustee updates, and the launch of the Sopwell Jigsaw Meadow project, before our community feast.

A real diverse offering of dishes using locally-grown produce for us all to share. It was a wonderful night and hopefully it can inspire even more of you to help the area ‘grow’ together.

You can browse through our photo-story annual review here: GROW Annual Review 2023

Minutes from our AGM have now been published. Download them here.