Anyone who has spent any time at the Carless Eco Centre (CEC) will know what a calm and tranquil place it is – even in the rain, it’s a lovely place to be. Working in the large greenhouse, tending the raised beds surrounded by that beautiful earthy smell of soil, turning over our compost heaps and listening to the rain hitting the greenhouse windows feels rhythmic and hypnotic – and it’s always so peaceful and quiet!
We grow organic flowers, fruit, vegetables, herbs and house plants. But some of strongest growth comes from the friendships and community nurtured at the CEC too! Working with our regular volunteers every Wednesday is an absolute joy. Whatever the weather, this troop of volunteers always bring a steely determination to get things done – but never without a smile, some laughter and a good old chinwag (not to mention cake!). We get that warm, buzzing feeling that only comes from people coming together to do something that matters.
We learn lots from one another, share gardening tips and all have our niche specialities and favourite things to grow. Tomatoes, artichokes, potatoes, tool care, weeds, lavender, lettuce, composting, succulents, pruning, potatoes…. the list goes on.
As the weather gets warmer, we also have our dedicated volunteers from Victoria Specialist Art College. Young adults with complex needs, who work hard – weeding and planting seedlings, making bird feeders, nurturing pollinators, growing garlic and harvesting our produce. These students come on Thursday mornings in the spring and summer and never cease to amaze us at how much they get done. With sleeves rolled up and smiles at the ready, they help keep the CEC thriving. Their generosity of time, energy and fun is what makes the Eco Centre feel so joyful. And, no matter what, they always bring the sunshine with them – literally and metaphorically.
All our volunteers Illustrating perfectly that not all heroes wear capes – some wear wellies too!
We give away much of our produce because sharing feels right. If something has grown well, why not pass the goodness on? It’s part of what makes the space so rewarding: nothing is wasted, and everything finds a home. It’s part of what Moor Pool is all about – sharing, caring and, at the centre of it all, community. We hope you love the staples we grow and give away, such as tomatoes, carrots, beans, potatoes and lettuce, which are left in a box outside Moor Pool Hall. They should taste good considering all the love and legwork that goes into those legumes!
Every year we throw challenges into the mix just for fun. Luffahs and watermelons are our latest curve ball – wish us luck! Right now, it’s all about celebrating every new seedling poking through our pots and seed trays – Delphiniums, Nasturtiums, Dahlias, Lavender and Rose Campion to name a few. But, also lamenting over the seeds that just don’t grow – because gardening isn’t always about success, it’s the journey that really counts. (Will we ever get to grips with Begonias?!)
Then of course, there’s the big event – our growing (excuse the pun) plant sale! It’s not just a chance to sell what we’ve lovingly grown, it’s also our moment to celebrate the Eco Centre itself, shining a light on the amazing work our volunteers do and bringing more people into the fold. It’s lively, a bit chaotic and deeply satisfying – a true showcase of what a community-driven green space can be. This year our plant sale is on Saturday 9th May, but it’s not just about selling plants, tools and cake. It’s a chance to see what we do, enjoy the space, have a chat or just relax. Be sure to come and visit if you can. And if you do come, you will soon see that the Carless Eco Centre isn’t just a place, it’s a shared effort – teamwork trying hard to make the dream work!
This year we have invited children in Years 3 and 4 from Blue Coat School to help us with the spring and summer workload in March and June. And every summer our Year 10 work experience placement students get their hands dirty as part of their week at Moor Pool Heritage Trust. Then there are our University of Birmingham undergraduate and MA placement students who also enjoy everything the Eco Centre has to offer as a place of learning and loving nature.
Just recently we have discovered that one Moor Pool resident has been quietly enjoying the warmth of the CEC greenhouse and cat-napping in our compost tray! He’s not our cat, but he’s a welcome visitor. We’ve nicknamed him Compo and if he or she is your cat, they are a very welcome new member of the CEC.
For now, as we spy some rare sunlight poking through those gloomy clouds of February, it’s off to bag some of those rays while we are pruning, planning, prepping and planting. What’s not to love? Happy gardening everyone!
Justine Marklew, Education & Community Outreach Officer
Moor Pool Hall
37 The Circle, Harborne,
Birmingham, B17 9DY
Registered Charity Number: 1148252
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