Wild Bee is a not-for-profit community food project and wildlife gardening group. We grow nutritious local food, in healthy soil, free from harmful chemical inputs and pesticides. We specialise in growing edible flowers, salads and useful pollinator friendly plants that encourage local biodiversity.

We care for a half-acre plot within The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership's "Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens". Situated within Stanmer Park, on the edge of Brighton and Hove, and within the South Downs National Park, the plot is a peaceful, secluded space with clear green views of Stanmer Wood.

We welcome all wildlife and provide a safe haven for local biodiversity, especially pollinators and other beneficial insects, by respecting and developing wildlife habitats and working as part of natural systems.

We tend the plot organically, using the principles of natural farming, forest gardening, permaculture and restorative agriculture. We grow edible flowers, fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs, and other beneficial plants that increase local biodiversity.

We run regular friendly and inclusive volunteer sessions, open days and courses and welcome you to join us on our journey, growing food with nature.

We are a growing team of local volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Our core team have experience of working in education, horticulture, fine art, science, therapeutic and community work, permaculture, community food projects, market gardening, project management, fundraising and campaigning.

We tend our plot as a closed system, one that demands as few human-supplied inputs as possible, aiming instead to mimic nature. We are inspired by natural farming, a way of working with the land that is based on minimal disturbance to the ecosystem, working as part of nature.

We adopt a no dig approach, so there is minimal tillage of the soil. Instead, the earth is cultivated naturally by means of the penetration of plant roots and the activity of microorganisms, small animals and earthworms.

We use no chemical fertiliser, adding only compost, wood chip and other plant material to the soil. Free from chemical inputs the soil is able to maintain fertility naturally. We use no pesticides or herbicides, instead creating natural balance and harmony, by welcoming beneficial insects and wildlife. We also welcome weeds, understanding their function in building soil fertility and balancing the biological community. As a guiding principle, we believe that weeds should be managed, but not eliminated. So, you may at first sight find our plot a little wild, but the wild plants really are what brings the biodiversity.

Working within the principles of organic growing, permaculture and restorative agriculture, we grow nutritious food with, and for, our diverse local community. Fostering community resilience, our project also facilitates education about food growing, land stewardship and local biodiversity. We run friendly and inclusive weekly volunteer sessions, and offer team building days, courses, practical workshops and special events. Our plot is a secluded and therapeutic place to re-connect with the land and with wildlife, growing local food as part of nature.