Is Sheffield home to Britain's ultimate shed of the year?

Firefighter George Smallwood’s amazing eco construction in Walkley, which is home to bees, bugs and even a hedgehog, has already been crowned Cuprinol’s Shed of the Year in 2018.

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Now he is vying for votes to get the Bee Eco Shed, as it was dubbed, recognised as the ‘Shed of Sheds’ – the best out of 13 winners so far of the annual competition which began in 2007.

It is five years since George first built his self-watering shed, where herbs and vegetables grow alongside a host of minibeasts, in the back garden of his home on Spring House Road.

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But it has evolved over the years and now features a living roof terrace, spiral staircase, two bee hives and a hedgehog abode – all complemented by an amazing fence which is a giant bug house.

His bees help him make the Smallwood Bees lip balm which is sold at independent stores in Sheffield.

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“It was great to win in 2018 but to win the Shed of Sheds would be amazing,” said the 35-year-old, who married his partner Sophie last year.

“I’ve only got a small garden but I’ve tried to make it as wildlife friendly as possible and hopefully it will inspire people to make their own wildlife habitats with the space they have.”

George’s 2018 title came with a £1,000 cash prize, but this time he is competing solely for the pride of knowing he has Britain’s best shed.

To vote, visit www.shedblog.co.uk/2020/04/04/the-ultimate-shed-of-the-year-vote-which-is-the-best.