Get stuck in

Get going, get growing

So you’ve had the idea and you want to get growing…
There are lots of things to consider but lots of places where you can find advice and inspiration. Careful planning at the outset will give you a better chance of success as your project develops.

Finding a site:
If you are having trouble finding a suitable site there are several sources of help.
  • Your local authority may be able to identify an available site or you may be able to use powers under the Localism Act to take over derelict land in your area. You can check who owns a piece of public land by visiting this site.
  • Landshare is a website that connects people who want to grow their own food with those who have land to spare – anything from a small garden plot to considerable acres 
  • The Place Station introduces owners of land and buildings to social and community entrepreneurs with ideas for transforming their local area.
  • The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens is developing a Community Land Advisory Service to help create partnerships between landowners and community groups 
  • Neighbourhoods Green can help residents of housing estates to make the most of their green space.

Wildlife value of the site
Investigate the ecological value of the site. It may be helpful to commission or conduct surveys to ensure that nothing of any wildlife value will be destroyed or disturbed due to the project. Your local council biodiversity officer will be able to help you with this and through them you should link your site in with the local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Examples of things to check include whether any protected species are present on the site or if you are planning tree works, whether any of the trees on the site are subject to a Tree Protection Order (TPO).

Raised beds
Think about how people of different ages and abilities can get involved in the project. Beds of differing heights provide opportunities for children, older people and people with limited mobility to take part. Raised beds also provide an opportunity for food growing if the soil on the site is not suitable.

Water Supply
Investigate how water will be made available on your site. This could be from water butts, a sustainable drainage system or an existing spring or water supply.   

Soil quality
Investigate the previous use of the site. A soil survey may be needed to check for contamination and soil tests would be useful to determine if the soil is suitable for food growing.

Developing the project
There are many ways to add value to a communal growing site. The focus should be on developing a community space, so think about the potential to include:
  • notice boards
  • seating areas 
  • accessible pathways
  • interpretation, both gardening and wildlife related.

Finding the money!
There are several potential sources of funds for growing projects. Two of the principal organisations are:

BIG Lottery Fund, which gives millions of pounds from the National Lottery to  projects that improve health, education and the environment.

The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of the cultural life of the UK through education and learning, developing public open spaces and by enabling disadvantaged people to participate more fully in society.

Help and advice