Fairleigh - The Manor

Taken on 4th July 2010 with Pentax K10D 8mm Samyang Fisheye

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Fretson Green - Fretson Road South

Taken on 4th July 2010 with Pentax K10D 8mm Samyang Fisheye

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Fretson Green is a small ‘pocket’ park lying between Fretson Road South and Wulfric Road in Fairleigh in the Manor area of Sheffield. Built in 2001 as part of a new housing development the roads surrounding it were re-directed to create a completely new open space with the feel of a village green. The park is managed by Green Estate on behalf of Manor and Castle Development Trust who own the site and members of the maintenance crew, with trainees and volunteers, can be seen every day either doing litter picks, bed maintenance, mowing the grass or just checking to make sure everything is OK. The park is completely surrounded by railings and low walls with dog-grids and gates at entrances to provide a safe place to play or simply sit and enjoy the outdoors. A small playground has play equipment such as swings and a slide, but also a large sand-pit which is guaranteed to keep children busy for hours. Fretson Green provides a large array of planting with seasonal colour, hedges, trees and areas of mown grass for lying on or kicking a ball around. The paths are wide and flat allowing easy access for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs and, with eleven benches to choose from, there is no shortage of places to have a rest.

Manor Fields Park - Queen Mary Road

Taken on 4th July 2010 with Pentax K10D 8mm Samyang Fisheye

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This park is a new development for the Manor and Castle area of Sheffield. It covers 25 hectares and forms an integral part of the overall regeneration of the area. Begun in 1999 and with a £2.5 million budget, Sheffield City Council, Environmental Planning & Landscape Design Team have delivered the programme in partnership with Sheffield Wildlife Trust and the Manor and Castle Development Trust under the management of a social enterprise titled the 'Green Estate Company'. Campbell Design & Engineering Ltd have been consultants throughout the project period, providing a major input into the creative design of entrances and secure boundary treatments. Their approach has focused on the site's rural and natural heritage, producing a range of contemporary sculptural steelwork combined with natural stone elements reflective of the geological landscape. The resulting design has transformed the once poor perceptions of the park, with safe, stylish and desirable gateways.