Local women lead community-led environmental change in Tinsley

Tinsley Chai began as a grassroots space for connection, friendship and wellbeing, Over time, it has grown into a vibrant initiative driving environmental improvements across Tinsley, helping to transform local streets, gardens, and green spaces. 

“Now we are organised, we are ready to advocate for our community, to have a voice in our green spaces, to share our stories and inspire others,” said one member of the group.

Led by Zahira Naz (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust) and a core team of six local women, the Tinsley Chai sessions were initially funded by EON. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund‘s Resilience Programme, Zahira had the time to focus on removing barriers to participation through practical community support.

 The group’s work was then able to expand through collaboration with Lucy Graham (Sheffield Communities Officer) from Nature Recovery Sheffield – an initiative creating a strong, inclusive network of people, communities, organisations and forums across Sheffield to work together for nature’s recovery – which is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund through the Reaching Communities programme. Together, they supported the group to lead environmental action rooted in local priorities and lived experience.

The group’s environmental journey began after a family-friendly walk at Centenary Riverside nature reserve. Located only 15 minutes from Tinsley, this nature reserve on their doorstep was previously unknown to many in the group. “We didn’t know this place existed; it feels so peaceful, and the children loved exploring,” said one mum. Another added, “I hate the outdoors, but today was really good, it felt different.”

The visit also inspired pride in Tinsley’s heritage. Standing by the Steel Henge sculpture, one mum reflected: “The steel heritage of this reserve reminds us of our roots and our dads and grandads,” acknowledging the contributions of South East Asian families who moved to Tinsley in the 1950s to work in steel foundries.

At the heart of Tinsley Chai’s work is a people-first ethos. Residents are supported with urgent needs through local services, including cost-of-living advice, adult learning and skills development, accessible transport, energy poverty support, and employment guidance. By addressing these challenges alongside environmental initiatives, the programme reduces barriers to participation, strengthens household resilience, and enables wider engagement with the local area.

“Our faith teaches us that giving is important, and if you don’t have money, you can give by planting a tree,” explained one group member.

With support from Nature Recovery Sheffield, Tinsley Chai has transformed green and grey spaces across the neighbourhood. Activities include planting hanging baskets and bulbs, creating herb gardens, hedgehog boxes, bird feeders, tree planting, and community planting days with local schools. Over 200 bulbs have been planted, more than 50 hanging baskets distributed, and street planters revitalised.

Farzana from the Tinsley Chai group said:

“This past year has been truly brilliant. Together, we have transformed Tinsley by planting flowers and creating spaces that people can care for and feel proud of. Every project shows the power of people coming together. It shows what is possible when residents are trusted, supported, and given the chance to lead…This is what community looks like.”

The group recently celebrated their achievements at a community event funded by Sheffield City Council’s East Local Area Committee. Highlights included speeches by members Farzana and Nighat, a film created by Sheffield Hallam University student Holly Reid, and shared food. The event reflected the impact of a year of resident-led environmental action, which engaged over 315 local people. With support now coming from The GoodSide social enterprise, Tinsley Chai looks well-placed to keep the positive momentum going. 

Zahira Naz said:

“It’s been wonderful spending a whole year delivering activities with local residents focused on nature and wildlife. The feedback from the community has been incredibly positive, and you can really see the impact of the work on the ground – from creating wildlife gardens, to mapping hedgehog activity and building homes for them, to planting pollinators in the park, along local streets, and in residents’ gardens.”

If you’d like support in making your patch a bit wilder, Nature Recovery Sheffield has a toolkit with lots of advice, signposts to support and a list of local community groups you can join. Visit: wildsheffield.com/nr-toolkit