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A group of Tinsley women are transforming their neighbourhood through community-led environmental action, supported by Nature Recovery Sheffield and local partners.
On a weekday morning at Tinsley Community Centre, the kettle goes on before anything else. Chairs are pulled into a loose circle, children weave in and out, and conversations begin with everyday things, school runs, recipes, family news. From that simple starting point, an environmental movement has quietly taken root.
Tinsley Chai began as a place for connection, friendship and wellbeing. It was somewhere local women could meet, feel welcome and support one another. Today the group is leading practical environmental improvements across the neighbourhood, transforming gardens, pavements and shared spaces through resident action.
“Now we are organised, ready to advocate for our community, to have a voice in our green spaces, to share our stories and inspire others,” one member explains.
Early funding from E.ON helped get the gatherings started, led by Zahira Naz, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, alongside a core group of six local women. Later, support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund Resilience Programme meant Zahira could dedicate time to tackling the barriers that often stop people taking part. That included practical help, from transport and advice services to skills and employment guidance.
This people-first approach sits at the centre of everything the group does. Members are supported with cost of living advice, adult learning opportunities, energy support and access to local services. By helping households feel more secure, confidence grows and residents begin to engage more with their surroundings. “Our faith teaches us that giving is important,” one woman says. “If you don’t have money, you can give by planting a tree.”
A turning point came during a family friendly walk to Centenary Riverside Nature Reserve, only fifteen minutes away but previously unknown to many in the group. The reaction was immediate. “We didn’t know this place existed. It feels so peaceful and the children loved exploring,” said one mum. Another laughed as she admitted, “I hate the outdoors, but today was really good. It felt different.”
Standing beside the Steel Henge sculpture, the visit also sparked reflection on local heritage. Many South East Asian families settled in Tinsley during the 1950s to work in the steel foundries. “It reminds us of our roots and our dads and grandads,” one participant said.
From there, interest turned into action. Working alongside Lucy Graham, Sheffield Communities Officer with Nature Recovery Sheffield, the group began shaping projects based on local priorities and lived experience. Nature Recovery Sheffield, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, connects people and organisations across the city to support wildlife recovery, and Tinsley quickly became a powerful example of what that looks like on the ground.
Across the neighbourhood, small changes began appearing. Hanging baskets brightened streets, bulbs were planted along pavements, and herb gardens appeared outside homes. Hedgehog boxes and bird feeders were built, trees planted, and school children invited to join community planting days. More than 200 bulbs have gone into the soil, over 50 hanging baskets distributed and tired street planters restored.
“It’s a powerful example of what happens when communities are supported rather than directed” – Zahira Naz
“It’s a powerful example of what happens when communities are supported rather than directed”
Farzana, a member of the group, reflects on the past year with pride. “Together, we have transformed Tinsley by planting flowers and creating spaces 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 environmental work continues to expand. Residents have helped map hedgehog activity, built homes for wildlife and planted pollinator friendly flowers in parks, streets and private gardens. Zahira says the change is visible. “The feedback has been incredibly positive. You can really see the impact; wildlife gardens appearing, pollinators returning and people spending more time outdoors together.”
The group recently celebrated a year of progress at a community event funded by Sheffield City Council’s East Local Area Committee. Speeches from members Farzana and Nighat were followed by a short film created by Sheffield Hallam University student Holly Reid, and, appropriately, plenty of shared food. More than 315 local people have now engaged with activities linked to the project, and support from social enterprise The GoodSide is helping the group look ahead with confidence.
Working alongside Tinsley Chai, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust and Nature Recovery Sheffield helped create a space where women from the local Muslim community can shape environmental action on their own terms. The result is a movement rooted in care, culture, and community pride. Environmental change has not arrived through large scale schemes or distant decisions. It has come through trust, shared effort and practical action, one planter, one street and one conversation at a time.
Working alongside Tinsley Chai, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust and Nature Recovery Sheffield helped create a space where women from the local Muslim community can shape environmental action on their own terms.
The result is a movement rooted in care, culture, and community pride. Environmental change has not arrived through large scale schemes or distant decisions. It has come through trust, shared effort and practical action, one planter, one street and one conversation at a time.
Interested in making your own patch greener? There’s loads of resources for individuals, communities and local groups through Nature Recovery Sheffield