A host of events will take place this month at Sudley Estate to raise money towards transforming derelict former changing rooms into a low carbon community-owned asset for health, wellbeing and connecting to nature.

Proceeds from all the events will go towards Growing Sudley’s crowdfunder; part of the CIC’s ongoing work on reviving the old walled garden at South Liverpool’s Sudley Estate.

If successful, the currently derelict building which the project is developing into a Therapy and Wellbeing Centre with affordable space for therapists, will be able to be fitted with renewable technology to be environmentally friendly for the future.

Architect, co-founder and local resident Su Stringfellow from Harrison Stringfellow Architects, says: ‘The environment and biodiversity is key to what we do, so we want to make the building green for the future. We want people to join us in making an eco-friendly community asset.”

The walled garden itself is a local hidden gem within a historic site that includes National Museums Liverpool’s Sudley House and a world-class art collection.

The House and Estate were bequeathed by the shipping merchant family the Holts ‘for the benefit of the people of Liverpool’, ensuring the protection of the heritage assets from development. The history of the site and its legacy, deeply embedded in colonialism, are set to be explored in an upcoming heritage project.

For now, the volunteer-led community group are focussed on making the project sustainable for the future, environmentally and economically.

Lucy Dossor, co-founder of Growing Sudley CIC, adds: “The project grew out of a question asked by the Friends of Sudley Estate, ‘how can we bring the walled garden back into use for the local community?’.

“Using Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, Forest School, Mind Body Practices, Nature Art and Community Herbalism, our volunteer-led group has tested out ideas to find out what people wanted to happen in the garden. The plan that’s emerged, gradually and organically, is to create a Therapeutic Garden for health, wellbeing and fun through the healing power of nature and plants.”

The changing rooms project is a partnership with Ullet Road Eco Offices, one of South Liverpool’s first major eco-refurbishments. Using a range of renewable systems, the grassroots retrofitted buildings are developing local knowledge and resources to help the region move towards a low carbon-future.

Growing Sudley has funds to regenerate the building and garden, but they don’t include the renewable technology required to make it low carbon. The group have launched the crowdfunder on Liverpool Spacehive to raise the extra costs of making the building green for the future.

The activities begin with a workshop on 21 July where young children can learn how to make natural herbal products with the young startup, Shea Bliss Liverpool. Then on 23 July, a ‘movement and creative mindfulness’ session will “empower family wellbeing through movement, creativity, nature and mindset”.

On 24 July, medical herablist, Sue Sprung will be offering an introduction into the world of herbal healing, examining how ‘nature’s apothecary’ can bring balance to our bodies. Later in the day, Sue will also hold a session on ‘menopause wellness’, explaining how natural ingredients can keep hormones healthy during this transitional phase in life.

The much-maligned garden weed takes centre stage on 25 July in ‘The Wisdom of Weeds’; a session that examines how almost all these resilient plants have medicinal and nutritional properties. The following Monday on 26 July, Chaya Yoga will then lead a revitalising session to nourish the body and soul.

For those wanting to brush up on their pilates – or indeed those completely new to the concept – an outdoor exercise session will take place on 27 July. Then for those fancying something a bit more cosy, Forest School Storytime offers kids the chance to enjoy stories, hot chocolates and smores, all whilst exploring the Growing Sudley Walled Garden on 28 July.

Those visiting the Garden on 29 July can take part in the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku), ‘sharing energy and mindful connection with trees’. And if you’re feeling a bit peckish on the 30 July, you can take part in a Foraging Workshop to discover all the edible and medicinal goodies that can be found around Sudley Estate.

Rounding off the fortnight of events on 31 July will be a session of Baby Yoga for parents and babies from six weeks old, followed by a Children’s Campfire Tea where youngsters can learn how to light a fire with flints and will be guided through cooking their own campfire goodies.

The public can buy tickets for any of the events via the Growing Sudley website, or donate directly to the project here

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