Gardening Without a Garden
There are ten million people in the UK who don’t have gardens. It means they miss out on significant social and health benefits, as well as losing excellent leisure opportunities. But there is a way to get in on the act without converting your living room into an allotment.
If you like the idea of gardening but haven't got a garden of your own you can join Britain’s flourishing community garden movement.
It started in the 1960s as a response the decline in open spaces and, the increasing numbers of people living in tower blocks and the creeping breakdown in community spirit that resulted. There are now over 500 community gardens and city farms in the UK.
Community Gardens
City farms and community gardens are now enjoying their highest level of recognition and support ever. They provide an opportunity to get involved with all aspects of gardening, and they bring huge benefits to local areas.
Each one is unique; there is no set plan or blueprint. Community gardens differ according to the priorities of the community involved, the space available and funding available (if any).
Many occupy derelict sites or the spaces between tower blocks; some are created as wildlife havens or for growing vegetables while others are designed for children to play in or simply somewhere for local residents to meet, sit and relax. They range from tiny wildlife gardens to fruit and vegetable plots on housing estates, community polytunnels and large farms. Set in urban areas specifically for the benefit of those who don’t have access to green spaces. They are usually run by local people in a voluntary capacity, and rely on a strong degree of volunteer involvement. Most projects provide food-growing, training, school visits, allotments and community businesses. Some of the larger gardens provide play and sports facilities. Children who would not get the chance at home are able to learn about plants and gardening - and enjoy the playing space a garden offers. Many gardens are used as bases for playgroups and after school clubs. Some are even used to provide young people with work experience and the chance to work practical skills, particularly those that are having difficulties at school.
Where to start
The first step is to find a suitable piece of land and involve people you know to create the garden and keep it going. There is plenty of advice available.
The community garden movement is brought together by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens (FCFCG) and they should be your first stop. (www.farmgarden.org.uk)
Their starter pack provides details of staff who can advise on a range of issues such as legal requirements, securing grants and cash, budgeting, design and planting either by correspondence or by actual site visits.
They will also be able to put you in touch with a community garden within travelling distance, where you can meet organisers and volunteers and pick their brains.
Grants are available
The government is also giving backing to the gardens with a project called Living Spaces. Living Spaces provides grants to help people improve open spaces in their neighbourhood and create valuable places for the whole community to enjoy. It can help you create and improve a huge range of spaces...
- Play areas
- Community gardens
- Local parks
- Village greens
- Nature areas
- Kick-about areas
- Ponds
- Courts and squares
- City farms
Gardens at risk
A number of community gardens are under threat. Unlike traditional allotments, they don’t have any protection built into the laws of the land. Many rely on transforming unused local authority or government land but that means they are prey to developers.
