This autumn, a significant development in Sheffield’s food-growing history will take place with the transformation of Norton Nurseries into a hub for nature-friendly food production. More than just a local initiative, this project is a step towards a sustainable, resilient, and community-driven food system. The project is led by Food Works Sheffield in collaboration with Sheffield City Council, the University of Sheffield, and a range of community partners.
This ambitious initiative is designed to benefit the people of Sheffield, aligning with the five core working groups and campaign focuses of ShefFood, the city’s food partnership. These groups—Community Food Provision, Food & Health, Good Food Economy, Growing & Composting, and The Good Food Movement—are part of a broader campaign to make Sheffield’s food system fairer, healthier, and greener by 2030. Here’s how the developments at Norton Nurseries will contribute to each one.
Strengthening Community Food Provision
The Norton Nurseries initiative directly supports ShefFood’s Community Food Provision working group, which is dedicated to ensuring access to nutritious food for everyone in Sheffield, regardless of their circumstances. Sheffield’s distinctive food landscape, including food banks, community pantries, and social eating spaces, plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. The development of Norton Nurseries will enhance this by providing fresh, affordable produce grown within the community. As the nurseries begin producing fruits, vegetables, and herbs, these will be integrated into Food Works’ café menus and ready meals, available across the city.
With the current cost-of-living crisis and increasing food insecurity, the availability of locally sourced, affordable fresh food is particularly important. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also reinforces the idea that community food provision is about building a resilient local food system that can support everyone, both in times of crisis and in everyday life.
Promoting Food & Health
Access to healthy, nutritious food is essential for well-being. Research from the University of Sheffield has highlighted the concerning levels of food insecurity in the city, with over 2.5% of adults experiencing hunger due to a lack of food, and even more worrying about having enough to eat. The expansion of Norton Nurseries is a proactive response to these issues, aligning with the goals of ShefFood’s Food & Health working group.
The project aims to improve dietary health by growing nutritious, culturally appropriate fruits, vegetables, and herbs. By making fresh produce more affordable and offering educational opportunities, residents will learn about the benefits of a balanced diet and how to grow their own food, empowering the community to make healthier choices.
Building a Thriving Local Food Economy
A strong local food economy is key to building a resilient community. ShefFood’s Good Food Economy working group is focused on creating a vibrant food economy that supports local producers, retailers, and consumers. The Norton Nurseries project is a prime example of how this can be achieved.
By turning public land into productive, community-driven growing spaces, the project will provide fresh produce and support local jobs and businesses. The produce grown at Norton Nurseries will be used in local cafés and ready meals, directly linking local growers to consumers. This not only keeps money within the local economy but also fosters a stronger sense of community ownership and pride in Sheffield’s food system.
Additionally, the project aims to develop a recognisable local brand for sustainable food, connecting local producers with businesses and hospitality providers. This will help create the infrastructure needed for a resilient local food system that can withstand challenges such as global supply chain disruptions and environmental changes.
Fostering Sustainability through Growing & Composting
Sustainability is central to the mission of ShefFood’s Growing & Composting working group, and the Norton Nurseries project exemplifies this commitment. All growing at the site will be nature-friendly, supporting the broader biodiversity of Graves Park. This agroecological approach ensures that the produce is grown in a way that benefits the environment and promotes the park’s ecological health.
The project will also explore innovative, climate-resilient crops and sustainable growing techniques. This research and development will help scale these practices across Sheffield and beyond, contributing to a more sustainable food system. Moreover, the initiative will focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling organic waste, turning it into valuable compost to nourish future crops.
Catalysing the Good Food Movement
Perhaps most importantly, the Norton Nurseries project will serve as a catalyst for building a Good Food Movement in Sheffield. Championing this movement, ShefFood is not just about growing food but about fostering a culture of active food citizenship, where everyone has a stake in the city’s food system.
The project invites everyone in Sheffield to get involved, whether through volunteering, participating in educational programmes, or enjoying the community’s efforts at local cafés and markets. By engaging the public in this way, the project aims to build a more inclusive food movement that reflects the diversity of Sheffield’s communities and ensures that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of food in the city.
Conclusion
The development of Norton Nurseries is more than a local food-growing project; it is a shining example of what communities can achieve when united by a vision for a better, more sustainable future. By supporting ShefFood’s five key areas—Community Food Provision, Food & Health, Good Food Economy, Growing & Composting, and The Good Food Movement—this initiative is helping to build a fairer, more resilient, and inclusive food system.
As this project progresses, it will likely inspire other communities and councils across the UK to pursue similar collaborations, further strengthening the national movement towards sustainable, community-driven food systems.
To learn more about Sheffield’s food system campaign, visit sheffood.org.uk. To get involved at the nurseries, visit thefoodworks.org.
