Hillmead Forest Garden

The Hillmead housing estate in Shepton Mallet is home to a large and vibrant community within Shepton. Many of the flats and homes do not have gardens, which has been difficult for many during the pandemic. A small area of disused land sits adjacent the estate, and the Food Forest Project team agreed with the landowner to plant a community forest garden within the space.

We planted fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, native wild harvest trees, and planted herbs in the raised beds, all for the local community to harvest for free. It’s open all day, every day, but we ask you to visit on foot, bike, or by public transport wherever possible as there is no parking at this site.

Special thanks to artists Rosy Stott and Flo Lipin for the education board and murals. Additional thanks to Luxury Wood Co for donating the oak for the education board, and CRS Wells Kitchen & Bathroom for the soil delivery for the raised beds.