An international movement that creates gardens as places of sanctuary is looking for a partner to host a site for the use of asylum seekers in Sheffield. The Quiet Garden Movement was launched in 1992 to provide a network of local opportunities where people can retreat and reflect in solitude. More than 300 ‘Quiet Gardens’ now exist in countries from Kenya to Brazil, Australia to Finland, as well as most counties in the UK. The movement’s founder, Philip Roderick, now lives in Sheffield, where he’d like to create a garden specifically for people who’re seeking asylum.

“We’ve created these spaces in different environments – anything from private homes to prisons,” says Philip. “And in the Sheffield area, in addition to Quiet Gardens taking shape in church grounds at Parson Cross and at a school in Elsecar, landscape design plans are now being submitted for consideration and funding for a Quiet Garden in roof terrace spaces at the neo-natal unit in the Jessop Wing of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.”

Philip says there are also hopes for a Quiet Garden and sanctuary space for street women. “Each Quiet Garden in different context will offer a still, safe space with an element of green, where people can go and breathe, reflect and rest in the healing properties of a garden.”

A potential site in Sheffield is likely to be in an existing institution, or a temporarily abandoned building site, that will be easily accessible and safe for individuals seeking sanctuary. If you think you know of such a place, please contact Philip at [email protected]