Lowestoft Library will be marking its 50th anniversary in 2025 and is kicking off the year with an inspiring initiative aimed at fostering community connection and promoting sustainable living.
The library will soon start to transform an unused outside area into a vibrant community garden for food, nature and wellbeing. The project is funded by the Culture Nature England programme, which supports libraries across the UK to lead projects which connect the public to nature. The Lowestoft Library garden project is set to officially launch this spring and will not only provide fresh produce for the community, but also a home to wildlife and an opportunity for library users to pause and connect with nature.
The idea came from library staff who have been guerilla gardening on the library’s roof for many years. The team hope to use people power to breathe new life into the underutilised outdoor space and transform it into an outdoor pantry with fruit and veg grown throughout the year for their library customers.
The project is launching with a community gardening weekend on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January from 10.30am to 3pm (both days). Lowestoft Library is asking people of all ages and abilities to join in with building the garden. As an inclusive community project it’s important to engage and empower local people in creating and maintaining the new garden so the aim is to recruit an army of volunteers to help plan planting and to support the maintenance of the space on an ongoing basis. Anyone interested in taking part in the gardening weekend can contact the library.
Many families in Lowestoft are living in extreme circumstances with 34.5% of the population of the Lowestoft combined library catchment living in areas ranked among the most deprived 20% in England. The library garden project focuses on the economic benefits of growing in harmony with nature and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust team at Carlton Marshes will also be working with the library over the coming months to provide guidance on how to welcome wildlife back into the space.
The creation of the garden will also mark the 50th anniversary year of Lowestoft Library being built. The library team are already busily planning a birthday bash for Saturday 10 May and there will be more details nearer the time.
Melissa Matthews is Cultural Programmes Manager at Suffolk Libraries and the organisation’s Arts Programme playing a big part in supporting the garden project. She says:
“Libraries have always been a hub for community connection and learning. We’re thrilled to be able to support Jo and her team in this work and to be part of such a meaningful project. This garden will not only provide fresh food but also a chance to meet new people and spend time outdoors, which is so important for everyone’s mental health.”
Jo Wilde, Lowestoft Library Manager, added:
“This project reflects the heart of what our library stands for—community, learning, and innovation. We can’t wait to see this space transform into something truly special, made by and for the people of Lowestoft. The wellbeing benefits of green spaces are well-documented, with studies showing that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. We hope the garden will serve as a sanctuary for those seeking a moment of calm in their busy lives.”
Sustainability is also a big part of the project is sustainability. Recycled materials will be used to build the garden and a rainwater harvesting system will be installed to ensure an eco-friendly approach to watering. Suffolk-based company Elmdale Welding have kindly donated their wooden packaging which will be upcycled into raised planters and local seed company Thompson & Morgan have donated thousands of seeds to start off the library’s first seed exchange.
Will Frost Account Manager at Thompson & Morgan, said:
“Thompson & Morgan are proud to support Suffolk Libraries with their ongoing work with community gardening projects across the county.”
More information about the garden.
The vision is to create a green space where people can come together to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs while nurturing a sense of belonging and purpose. The garden will feature:
• Raised beds for vegetables and herbs, designed to be accessible for all, including those with mobility challenges.
• Habitats, wild flowers and plants to attract pollinators and support local biodiversity.
• Seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
For more information about the community garden or to find out how you can support the project, please contact: Jo Wilde at lowestoft.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk
Culture Nature England is a collaboration between Libraries Connected and Natural England. This project has been maybe possible through ongoing support from Arts Council England.
