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Plans for a community allotment take root

Home / Blog / Plans for a community allotment take root
26
Nov
A group known as the 'BobFowler Community Allotment' are developing a disused area of land and former fly-tipping site into a community allotment.

The land is managed by AmicusHorizon housing association and is located at Regis Crescent in Sittingbourne. AmicusHorizon have invited local Children's Centres, Wood Grove and Grove Park, and Skillnet Group CIC to work in partnership to develop the land.



The Bob Fowler Community Allotment is named after AmicusHorizon’s Robert Fowler, one of the people originally involved in pushing the allotment forward. However Bob sadly passed away before seeing the allotment come to fruition.

The garden will be designed and developed using organic gardening and permaculture principles, taking local people, environment and wildlife into consideration throughout the process. It will provide the opportunity for people to learn skills in organic gardening, vegetable growing, wildlife, permaculture and sustainability. There will be areas for people to sit, relax and be around nature, as well as plenty of tasks for those wishing to get stuck in and get gardening.

With the help of Blenwood Grounds Maintenance and volunteers from AmicusHorizon the site has already been cleared with a lockable tool shed installed and paths laid.  



The group is applying for funding for the necessary tools, materials and equipment to get the allotment up and running. To date funding has already been provided from Awards for All, KCC Councillor Roger Truelove, The Woodland Trust and The Big Tree Plant.

Overall plans include a seating area, composting toilet, bike/buggy shelter with green roof, partially covered outdoor class room/ tea shed, polytunnel, growing areas and additional beds, trees and plants and areas to encourage wildlife.

The groups managing the allotment will actively engage with all members of the community and promote and support inclusivity including vulnerable groups including people with mental ill health, learning difficulties, young parents and carers.


Volunteers needed!

If you would like to help or get involved, please contact us. Your help and any donations will help us to carry out the aims of our project. We are holding a tree planting day on December 5th, 10am – 3pm. Volunteers will be given training and tools provided (although if you have your own boots and tools, please bring them along).

Contact
Louise Allen – louise.allen@skillnetgroup.co.uk
or 07780 985245




Comments

Showing comments 1 to 2 of 2

comment
Fantastic community project worth getting involved with, a allotment gem tucked away in a corner of a busy housing estate, you would easily walk passed and not know it is their.  
Comment by Dawn on 31 Oct 2015
comment
Skillnet Group is launching a new allotment group in Sittingbourne for
adults with a learning difficulty/disability or mental ill health who
need support.

We are offering a limited number of FREE taster
sessions between 27th October and 22nd December for people to decide
whether they would like to join the group.

Skillnet Group has
been working with AmicusHorizon and local SureStart Centres to develop a
community allotment on Regis Crescent, Milton Regis. The group will
mainly be based at this allotment with planting research, recipe
development and support planning based at The Pulse Café on Park Road.
People will be supported to learn skills in gardening, wildlife
conservation, growing food, tree planting, permaculture garden design
and cooking with the produce they grow. The group will also be engaged
in the wider development of the allotment.
Comment by Helen Long on 26 Nov 2014
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