A community-led 25 plot private allotment site between Lyewater and Barn Street in Crewkerne. The group have established a community green space / wildlife area more recently.
website: https://crewkerneallotmentteam.wordpress.com/
Email: crewkerneallotmentteam@gmail.com
Case study and short film
Watch a Short film.
Jason Balfour, the main interviewee in the film above, wanted to find land to grow food on. Following a tip off from a friend, he found a potential site. He then played a key role in pulling together a wider group of people and successfully negotiated a free 5-year lease.
Why?
The council had a long waiting list for the few allotments in the town and had tried to access a number of sites in the town for new allotments over the years, but had failed. People on the list were facing waits of up to 5 years
How?
Jason took the initiative to call a public meeting in the town hall, which got the ball rolling, then found money through various channels for ground works etc. Now 100+ people use the site including lots of families, pensioners, professionals…a real mix.
Key lessons learned
This project demonstrates the importance of strong local leadership and co-ordinating a disparate group of people who didn’t know each other at the beginning. A wide range of age groups now use the site including older people, young families, people who value time away from the pressures of home life, highlighting the therapeutic benefits to be gained from being together outside doing something practical.
Support from Somerset Community Food
This group won funding for rabbit proof fencing and a heavy duty brushcutter through the Get Growing Support Fund, as part of the Somerset Land and Food Project.