Developments
From around a dozen members to over fifty in five years; here is what we are building so that everyone can reach the site and garden it.
Five years ago the society was around a dozen people; today we are over fifty. More members means more ways of arriving at the site, on foot, with a pram, with a wheelbarrow, or in a wheelchair. Most of what follows comes from one decision: that as we grew, the community plot had to work for everyone.
The lottery project
The National Lottery Community Fund awarded us a grant to improve access to our community growing space. We did not get there alone. The Allotment Advisory Group pointed us to the South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau, and after meeting them we became a good deal more ambitious. (SYFAB is open to any community group; if yours is chasing funding, they are worth a look.)
The project replaced difficult steps with more accessible surfaces and a ramp, making it easier for people arriving with wheelbarrows, prams and mobility aids to take part.
The grant also supported raised beds, composting and fruit-growing improvements, along with safer surfaces for communal activities. The whole membership was consulted on the plans and the choice of contractor before a spade went in.
Support from Wickes
A past donation from the Wickes Community Programme gave us the materials to build an accessible raised bed on the community plot. We are now talking to Wickes about how they might support us further. Nothing is agreed yet; if that changes, you will read about it here.
What we’re working on now
Everything in this section is an application or a plan, not money in the bank.
We are seeking support for better paths so that more people can take part in communal growing. Improving access has remained a priority since the lottery project.
Two more things are in hand. A working group of members is developing plans for a composting toilet, weighing cost, location, maintenance, installation and, again, accessibility. And more raised beds on legs are planned, built at waist height so they can be gardened from a wheelchair; volunteers put up the first one.
Room for everyone
Growing comes in every size, and a full allotment plot is only one of them. On the community plot we keep continuity beds: growing beds for members carrying on their growing at a smaller scale and for people building up to a plot of their own. They are free and always will be. They are usually spoken for, but if one would suit you, email rvascontact@gmail.com and tell us.
The wider site also has smaller starter plots, a gentler way in than a full plot. Plots themselves are let by Sheffield City Council rather than by the society, so the council’s allotments page is the place to begin. Once you have a plot, the society will be glad to have you; joining takes one email.
Could your workplace help with a practical project, or would you like to lend a hand yourself? Our volunteering page explains how to get involved.