News / stapleton
Hopes to raise £75,000 for new eco-building in east Bristol
A community site in Stapleton hopes to raise £75,000 to build a brand new eco-building.
Grow Wilder is raising funds to create a community building that will act as a “welcoming introduction” to the site, which has grown into a community of local producers and a space for people to learn about the ecological crisis.
The new building, which would have a green roof and have as small as possible impact on the environment, would provide a hub for the space and create more opportunity for education, selling produce and welcoming visitors.
is needed now More than ever
“It’s a fantastic place but there is no big centre,” says Rebecca Lockwood, who works for Avon Wildlife Trust, the organisation that oversees the east Bristol site. “It’s grown organically over the years, and while there are tipis for community engagement, there’s no reception, cafe or shop.”
Grow Wilder is a 12-acre site that began as a wildflower nursery and living seed bank. The team shares information about gardens and how people in Bristol can help tackle the ecological crisis from their own homes.
“There’s lots of educating,” says Rebecca, who moved from producing wildlife TV shows to working for Avon Wildlife Trust to help spread their message of helping the environment.
“Schools, corporations, community groups, there are so many work experience opportunities. It’s a joy and a passion.”
Seven local businesses have also made the site their home, created food and products rooted in the local community.
Grow Wilder hope to create a new community building by raising £75,000. Photo: Avon Wildlife Trust
The new eco-building would be a chance for the team at Grow Wilder to expand their education opportunities and sell produce made on site, in a shop and cafe.
The space would be used to hold classes and events for people to learn more about wildlife, gardening and growing.
The trust have applied for a funding bid, but we need to match funding to create the building.
“It will be low impact with a green roof and wildflowers,” says Rebecca. “It will have a small impact on the environment but it will be really important in making Grow Wilder more welcoming.
“By helping people in Bristol learn more we can help impact the bigger picture.”
Main photo: Nick Turner
Read more: ‘When I grow a leek, it’s worth so much more than one from the supermarket’
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