History
Pictorial Meadows originated more than 20 years ago, from an innovative and productive partnership between the University of Sheffield and The Green Estate Community Interest Company. A seed of an idea, initially sown by Professor Nigel Dunnett has been nurtured and extensively tested by this forward thinking social enterprise.
Since the very beginning we have been at the forefront of researching and developing new approaches and products for naturalistic landscape management, focused on bringing benefits both to our environment and the people who live in it.
This collaboration between landscape designers, greenspace managers, ecologists and horticulturalists has led to an exciting new era of naturalistic, sustainable and designed approaches to landscape planting.
As a result, we are uniquely able to offer a complete meadow service, from bespoke seed mixes and consultation, through to installation and meadow care. So whether you are a novice gardener, urban planner, or a specifier for a prestigious public space, we offer unique, adaptive and resilient products and services to support your needs.
Today
Today, Pictorial Meadows is part of the not-for-profit The Green Estate Community Interest Company with a mission of growing engaging, adaptive, and resilient urban places. It was originally set up as a heritage and environment regeneration project to transform local parklands which were no-go wastelands with derelict and abandoned heritage buildings.
If you visit today you can enjoy the Green Flag award-winning Manor Fields Park, a Scheduled Ancient Monument visitor attraction (where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned), the five star trip advisor Rhubarb Shed cafe, a beautiful wedding and corporate events venue, a green recycling unit which producing peat free compost and a collective of community enterprises. As well as our 70 strong staff, you might meet some of our 40+ volunteers, the University of Sheffield Landscape department students and our many visitors. You will also see our Pictorial Meadows seeds and turf mixes in full display across the site.
Through our experience of transforming our own place, we have become nationally acclaimed experts in sustainable urban landscaping including sustainable drainage systems, rain gardens and green roofs. We deliver these services and sell our beautiful and resilient Pictorial Meadow seed mixes and turf across the UK and into EU.
See our Projects Showcase for examples of our work across the country from the Tower of London Moat to a Newcastle Park and don't forget to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on our social channels to find out the latest!
