Allotments Regeneration Initiative

A summary ofa programme to support anddevelop the use of allotments acrosscommunitiesin the UK

AllotmentsRegenerationInitiative2002-2006

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2 Introduction

“We would like to express our thanks toAllotment Regeneration Initiative stafffor providing us first class local Mentorsupport and best of all a travel bursaryto attend a project in Swindon workingwith vulnerable adults.” Kevin Chubb, Inroads Go! Allotment Project forpeople with drug and substance mis-use issues.


Allotments Regeneration Initiative Introduction 3

Introduction

The Allotments RegenerationInitiative (ARI) was launched in 2002 by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens(FCFCG) with the support of EsméeFairbairn Foundation. A total of£1,070,968 was invested in thisinitiative by the Foundation.

£850,000 was given to support the development of best-practice models for regenerating under-used allotment sites, or for finding complimentaryways of maintaining allotments as publiclyaccessible open spaces.

In 2005, the Federation of City Farms andCommunity Gardens, the representative body for city farms, community gardens and similarcommunity-led organisations in the UK, wasawarded a further grant of £220,968 over twoyears to continue the advice, mentoring andtraining services.

Allotments provide an oasis of green inbuilt-up areas, andprovide access topublicly owned land.


"Allotments are valuable assets to communities and play a vital role in improving the quality oflife for people in urban areas. The AllotmentRegeneration Initiative has come at an importanttime for urban green spaces of all types and I willfollow its progress with interest." Tony McNulty, Parliamentary Under Secretary, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2002-2003

4 History and background


demand. Consequently, provisionhas varied. Some allotment siteshave been lost to development,while others have thrived andhave become vibrant andpleasant places.

“Good ideas about how the Council can facilitate localallotment groups tobenefit plot holders.”Comments made by participantat ARI event: London regionalseminar, 14/09/04

History and background

Allotments were created as a response to urbanisationfollowing the industrial revolution, providing smallpockets of land for displaced rural people and the newurban workers to supplement their income and diets.Allotments as we now know them have been an integralpart of the urban landscape in the UK for over a century.

Allotment gardening initiallypeaked in World War I, and thenagain in the 1940s when peoplewere urged to ‘dig for victory’during World War II.

From the 1950s, greater affluenceand convenience shopping ledmany people to stop growingtheir own food, and this meantthat allotments often becameunder used and neglected. In thetwenty-first century, allotmentsare going through something of a renaissance, supported by the Allotments RegenerationInitiative. They provide asustainable source of healthylocal food, as well as exercise,and education for localcommunities, plus an importantbiodiversity habitat for nativeflora and fauna. Allotmentsprovide an oasis of green in built-up areas, and provideaccess to publicly owned land.

The UK’s wide cultural diversity isreflected on allotment sites, withdifferent allotment sub-cultures

apparent at country, regional andlocal level. The stereo-typicalimage of the allotmenteer is ofthe retired, white male plotholdertending his vegetables. But thereare many other allotmentcultures to be celebrated too,with sites playing host to amixture of people from differentethnic and cultural backgroundswho are growing foods from theUK and around the globe.Families are learning aboutwhere food comes from; organicgrowers and competitivevegetable growers practice theirown particular style of growing.All are gardening on allotmentsites throughout the UK.

Legislation to provide and protect allotments varies acrossthe UK and has affected theirdistribution and uptake. Localauthorities in England and Waleshave a statutory provision toprovide allotments, but inScotland and Northern Irelandthere is no legal obligation oncouncils to provide allotments on

Allotments Regeneration Initiative History and background 5


“We would like to expressour thanks to AllotmentRegeneration Initiative stafffor always being on the endof the phone or email whenwe needed advice.”Kevin Chubb, Inroads Go! AllotmentProject for people with drug andsubstance mis-use issues

6 ARI – the project


ARI’s partners had previouslyworked together on a steeringgroup during the writing ofGrowing in the community. ARIadopted and formalised thispartnership. A steering group ofrepresentatives from the partnershas managed ARI’s strategicdirection. FCFCG has beeninvolved in day-to-day projectand staff management.

ARI’s vision is to get more peoplegrowing on allotments, bothindividually and as communities.ARI has done this by workingwith anyone interested in being involved in allotmentregeneration. An eclectic mix of people and organisations are involved with allotments,encompassing plotholders,allotment associations, councilofficers, community groups,statutory organisations such as NHS, SureStart, ProbationService, Wildlife Trusts, Friendsof the Earth, BTCV, Groundwork,voluntary and communityagencies, and elected councillors.

While not a membershiporganisation, since its inceptionARI has collated a database oforganisations interested inallotment regeneration. To datealmost 3,000 entries have beenregistered, representing thediverse organisations andindividuals working toward apositive future for allotments inthe UK. The users themselveshave helped shape the ARIprogramme. Research, feedbackand suggestions from users havehelped form the ARI programmeto become a service that reflectsits users needs. All contactsreceive a regular copy of the ARInewsletter, access to a widerange of publications, invitationsto events, and are encouraged toengage with ARI services on anongoing basis to develop asupportive network.

Between 2002 and 2004, fundingwas provided by Esmée FairbairnFoundation specifically forpractical allotment regenerationvia three grant schemes.

ARI – the project

In 2001, the Local Government Association published,Growing in the community, a good practice guide for themanagement of allotments. This publication, along withsome significant changes to planning policy, was themajor outcome of the 1998 Select Committee Inquiry into the future for allotments. ARI’s starting point was to use Growing in the community’s recommendations as the core of its work.

“Really like the new allcolour ARI newsletter –carry on the good work.It has always been veryreadable and I keepevery copy.”Joan Russell, PrudhoeCommunity Allotment

Allotments Regeneration Initiative ARI – the project 7



The volume of applicationssubmitted to the schemespointed to a trend of under-investment by local authoritiesand government in manyallotment sites, while alsodemonstrating a need forallotment associations to take a more active role in seekingfunding for site improvements.The funding needs were diverseand included:

■ nature gardens

■ disabled access plots

■ fencing

■ promotion and publicity

■ plot clearance

■ toilets

■ events

■ training

■ orchards.

Sixty organisations submittedpreliminary bids for larger grants,of which seven were successful.All were pilot schemes toregenerate sites that had falleninto partial disuse and providedexamples of good practice inallotment regeneration, to bedisseminated and built uponnationally. Kate Lampard, EsméeFairbairn Foundation Trustee,announced the recipients ofgrants at the ARI launch seminarin Birmingham in April 2003.

“After many years ofeffort, we have managedto obtain over £30,000 of grants and now have a special plot for peoplewith special needs andwheelchair users.” Jane Baxter, Sefton ParkAllotments, Liverpool

3,000organisations registered on

the ARI database



‘Those of us at Esmée Fairbairninvolved with the AllotmentsRegeneration Initiative have beendelighted with the number,variety and quality of the projectssubmitted for funding. We believethat some of the projects thathave been chosen will provideexamples for allotmentsregeneration elsewhere. We hopethat the initiative as a whole willraise awareness of the threat of dereliction and sale facingmany allotment plots, and focus attention on the manyenvironmental as well as socialbenefits of allotment gardening.’

Kate Lampard Trustee, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

Following on from a high-profilemedia campaign to launch theproject, ARI engaged withmainstream and specialistpublications, radio, and TV, in order to promote a positiveand vibrant image of allotments.Articles have appeared in a range of national publicationsthat cover a vast spectrum, from The Sunday Times to TheOrganic Way, from Disability Now to Eve Magazine.

“The informationreceived was bothuseful and appropriate.I cannot praise his(mentor P Gomersall)input enough. Thankyou for establishing this mentor system!”Comments made by recipientsof a mentor site visit: WakefieldAllotments Network


Meanwhile, ARI Mentors havebeen profile raising in theregions, with regular press, TV and radio coverage. ARI’s pilotprojects did their bit too. The ARIfunded Environ Allotments for AllOfficer in Leicester persuaded alocal radio station to take a plotand give it a regular programmeslot. This lead to BBC Radio 2and a host of other stationstaking on plots too. ARI hashelped support TV producers in search of allotment locationsfor news items and programmes,for example candidates for greenlifestyle TV programmes, andfinding a female plotholderwilling to get up at 6am for a BBC Breakfast Time to featurealongside FCFCG Director JeremyIles in Bristol.

Events have been a key feature of ARI’s aim to facilitate andshare good practice. All theseevents have helped to inform the development and direction of ARI, as well as providing usefulresources for those involved inallotment regeneration.

ARI events kicked off in 2003with a national launch seminar in Birmingham, followed by aseries of five regional seminarsopen to anyone involved in allotment regeneration. Via interactive workshops, delegates learnt about differentaspects of allotmentregeneration: accessing funding, working in partnership,devolved management ofallotment sites by associations,site infrastructure improvements,and promoting allotments.

“The networking is alwaysbeneficial, the content ofthe course excellent.Covered every aspect offund raising, excellent,well presented.”Comments made by participant atARI event: York funding course30/4/05



Case study: YOE! (Youth OrganicEnvironmental), BirminghamBased at Uplands allotmentsite in Birmingham, YOE! wasawarded £2,500 under thesmall grants scheme topurchase gardening tools andbooks. Since the project’slaunch in March 2003, 900children have taken part.Project Manager Neville Lillyoutlines their work ‘YOE! aimsto encourage children intogardening, helping them torelate to the soil, understandhow to grow vegetables andeat healthily.’


Delegates also had theopportunity to meet withrepresentatives from nationalorganisations who are able tosupport allotments. Following the success of the seminars, ARI developed a three tiertraining course programme in 2005, aimed specifically at allotment associations,whilesimultaneously working in partnership with the Instituteof Leisure and AmenityManagement to deliver trainingcourses for councils, andproviding bespoke courses for individual clients. Topicsfollowed on from the seminarsbut at greater length and depth.Topics included:

■ introduction to allotment regeneration

■ managing health and safety on allotments

■ improving access for people with disabilities and mental health needs

■ finding funds for allotment regeneration.

Central to all ARI events is the opportunity to meet withothers involved in allotmentregeneration, in order to buildsupportive networks. Althoughallotments have strongcommunity history withinindividual sites, allotmentresidents have not alwaysnetworked or shared goodpractice with their kin. Bymeeting others and forging links and partnerships, ARIevents serve to stimulate anexchange of expertise anddevelop networks of peopleinvolved in allotmentregeneration around the UK.



A need for support and advice at a local level was identified inthe early stages of the project,resulting in the formation anddevelopment of a nationalmentor network of volunteerallotment regeneration experts in England, Scotland and Wales.

The mentors were recruited from allotment associations andorganisations working directlywith allotments to bring hands-on experience and expertise atgrass-roots level. Mentors helpwith real live issues affectingallotments, such as how to set upan association, go self-managed,tackle the regeneration of a site,address aspects of sitemanagement such as vandalism,promotion, disability access,fencing, and involving communitygroups. Mentors can also helpgroups or service providersinterested in setting up anallotment project, and councilswishing to build the capacity oftheir allotment associations andsite portfolio. Help and support

from mentors can be in the formof phone advice, on-site advice,training sessions, presentations,referral or mailing out of relevantinformation. All mentors arevolunteers who willingly give a minimum of eight hours permonth to ARI (but usually a lotmore). Mentors receive trainingand support from ARI staff, alongwith two national training eventsper year.

ARI has produced acomprehensive series of A4 size, eight page, technicalfactsheets and two technicalpacks on specific aspects ofallotment regeneration, whichusers identified as beingparticularly challenging. These included titles such as Safe Sites, Promote the Plot, Gardeners in Charge andAllotments for All. Each fact sheetincludes a resources section tosignpost readers to resourcesand organisations that can givehelp and support.

“We have beenencouraged along theway by your Initiativeand by your Mentoringservice (Alan Hull) – somany thanks for helpingus along with ourproject.”Kevin Chubb, Inroads Go!Allotment Project for peoplewith drug and substance mis-use issues


Allotments Regeneration Initiative

As part of the ARI site visits travelbursary scheme, ARI publishedthe Good Sites Guide, a directorylisting allotment sites exhibitinggood practice or innovativeregeneration, region by region.These allotment sites are willingto host educational visits fromother allotment holders who are keen to learn. A site profile,contact name, phone numberand suitable times for visits areprovided for each entry.

ARI has collated a library ofsample documents for allotmentmanagement in order to spreadgood practice, for example,council allotment strategies,leases, tenancy agreements,beekeeping guidance andplotholder starter packs. This has enabled users to benefitfrom the experience andknowledge of others whensetting up their own projects.

ARI – the project 13

Sometimes a technical query can be so specific that it helps to have an expert at hand. ARI’s bespoke technical serviceoffers free technical advice for anyone with a tricky issue. ARI staff can provide precisedetails on all aspects ofallotment regeneration and help link people withorganisations that can help and support them further.

The ARI website includes latest news, information andpublications. The ARI website has links to hundreds of otherorganisations.

Case study: Devenish Partnership Forum,Eniskillen, Northern Ireland Funding of £20,540 from theFlagship Grants schemecreated a brand new allotmenton an area of previouslyovergrown grassland owned by a local community group,the Devenish PartnershipForum. A newly establishedDevenish Gardening Club nowmanage their new site, whichis situated adjacent to a largesocial housing development.The site will not only provide a valuable green space andgrowing opportunities but willalso help bring communitiestogether in Enniskillen.Allotments in Northern Irelandare few and far between and this award highlightsalternative approaches ARI’sdevelopment work has taken in different regions andcountries in the UK.

£20,540raised from Flagship Grant Scheme


14 Allotments – the future

“We gained some useful ideas onrecruitment and referral for our ownproject and saw some good bestpractice examples of allotmentmanagement and landscaping.”Kevin Chubb, Inroads Go! Allotment Project forpeople with drug and substance mis-use issues.


Allotments Regeneration Initiative Allotments – the future 15

Allotments now have a higherprofile among the public andgovernment. Many localauthorities have, or are in theprocess of, producing a formalallotment strategy, enablingallotments to be includedappropriately in council policiesand processes. A trend ofstarting up brand new allotmentsites has been identified, withseveral local authorities activelylooking for land in order to copewith increased demand.

The capacity and confidence ofthe allotments movement hasdeveloped, strengthened anddiversified. A supportive networkhas been developed via theMentor Network, publications,and events. Networking andsharing of good practice nowoccurs both within and outsidethe movement. Allotmentassociations are now keeping intouch with each other, helpingand supporting their fellowgrowers through the challengesof revitalising their sites.

More and more allotmentassociations and councils nowunderstand the need to take anactive role in fundraising andincome generation, with manysuccess stories: Dalmuir PlotsAssociation in Glasgow hassecured £4 million to regeneratetheir site as part of the widerClydebank regeneration, ratherthan losing the site toredevelopment. Many smallerscale grant funding awards from a range of national and local funding bodies havelaunched associations into anexciting period of regeneration.Associations have found thatraising money can be fun andbrings in new plotholders.Hundreds of sites now open theirgates for open days and activitiesduring National Allotment Weekin August.

Allotments – the future

Allotments Regeneration Initiative has made a realdifference to the position and future of allotments in the UK. There is anecdotal evidence of a higher uptake of allotments since ARI’s inception. Newer users are now coming on board, especially women, families,community groups and agencies.

Case study: The Scottish Tree TrustThe trust was set up in 1980 tohelp prevent tree vandalism,now they are renovating QueenPark allotment site in Glasgow.They have used their £1000 ARIgrant to purchase pathing andfencing materials. CoordinatorGreer Hart explains, ‘Thisallotment site has had nothingdone to it since 1915. We’reputting down slab pathsbecause there were no safepathways, just muddy tracks,and putting up fencing to stopthe rabbits eating everything.Bus shelters get vandalizedbadly in Glasgow – we get thebig panels from them and areusing them to build six biggreenhouses.’


16 Allotments – the future

Partnerships have been initiatedand developed on sites. Agencieshave become aware of thebenefits allotments can bring to their clients: NHS GP’s are offering allotments onprescription via Healthy LivingCentres, disabled people are able to take part in allotmentgardening on adapted plots,children are having outdoorlessons on school and youth-group plots, and the ProbationService is working withassociations to build freeinfrastructure on sites whilegiving young offenders valuablework and life skills.

Complementary uses haveprevented under-used andderelict plots being lost, with the installation of play areas,community gardens and wildlifeareas. Social Enterprises havedeveloped, such as Christmastree nurseries and plant salesputting money back intoassociations.

The ARI is now moving on fromEsmée Fairbairn Foundationfunding. The partners will explore opportunities forcontinuing work as a partnership.Different models may be adaptedin England, Northern Ireland,Scotland and Wales, according to needs and the benefits thatnew country-specificpartnerships may bring.

“As an allotmentsofficer it was interestingto hear the views of theactive plot holders.Was surprised by theenthusiasm andsupport for allotments.Good to meet so manypeople trying to do thesame as me.”Comments made by participantat ARI event: Leicester regionalseminar, 10/2/05


Allotments Regeneration Initiative Allotments – the future 17


18 With thanks to

With thanks to:

Steering GroupJeremy Iles FCFCGGeoff StokesNeil DixonDr Richard Wiltshire Mike GosnellMick Branaghan

MentorsPeter GariochIan WelshJohn DohertyPhil GomersallPhil WardMike Parsons

“Brilliant. It has openedmy eyes and alleviatedsome of my worst fears.Really good trainers, lots to take forward.”Comments made by participantat ARI event: Bristol health andsafety training course, 23/4/05

AdvisorsHelen Raper Steve Clampin Angela Poole Steve ColeJudy WilkinsonMike Brannigan

StaffBethan StaggDeborah BurnCarmel FergusonHannah DurrantDiane Godwin

Jeff BarberIan WhiteSarah RideoutCelia Kabia Linda NicholsonBrian Eason

ARI is a partnership project involving the following organisations: Federation of City Farmsand Community Gardens, National Allotment Gardens Trust, and National Society of Allotmentand Leisure Gardeners.


For further information on theAllotments Regeneration Initiative,please contact:

Allotments Regeneration InitiativeThe GreenHouseHereford StreetBristolBS3 4NA

Tel: 0117 9631551Fax: 0117 9231900Email: [email protected]/ari

Allotments Regeneration Initiative 19


Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is one ofthe largest independent grantmakingfoundations in the UK. It makes grantsof around £29 million each year toorganisations to improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK both now and in the future. It has four grantmaking programmes,Arts & Heritage, Education,Environment and Social Change:Enterprise and Independence.

The Federation of City Farms andCommunity Gardens (FCFCG) is therepresentative body for city farms,community gardens and similarcommunity-led organisations in the UK.

October 2006Published by:Esmée Fairbairn Foundation11 Park PlaceLondon SW1A 1LPwww.esmeefairbairn.org.ukRegistered charity 200051


Documents

Allotments Regeneration Initiative