|
|
We first took-on Plot 32 at Richmond Street Allotments in January 2021 in the midst of a cold winter. Anne and Rachel quickly improved the site and began creating growing spaces. We were fortunate to secure the plot right next door to the large community hut, garden and orchard. These spaces have been brilliant venues for us to host creative and gardening activities.
One regular group Wonder Women, have been meeting every Wednesday at the allotment site (unless it is really cold and/or wet weather) and over the past few years have supported Anne and Rachel to develop the allotment and community space - learning new skills in making structures, painting signs, planting and nurturing. We couldn't have developed and sustained the allotment without them. Festival Stoke supported the allotment committee to secure funding from Stoke on Trent City Council to pay for improvements to the community hut, including better accessibility, solar panels and a compost toilet. These upgrades mean that more people are able to join in the activities at the site. We host community events, like the annual seed swap and plant swap, and have even hosted an Arts Council project on the site (see Allotment Gallery)involving some wonderful arts installations especially for the site. This gave the opportunity for lots of people to join in the creative workshops. |
Plot 33 - a new project
|
In spring 2026 the adjoining plot (Plot 33) became available and we didn't hesitate to take in on. However, it was very neglected and needed a lot of hard labour before we could begin to think about creating a growing space. We realised that we could not do this ourselves and needed professional help to clear out the old structures and landscape the space for us to develop. We also needed to purchase new structures such as a polytunnel, shed and raised beds. Once this is complete we will be able to offer more activities for more groups.
We have been fortunate to secure two grants to do this - to support us to create a usable allotment space and to host more workshops and group activities on the site. Our funders are: Pride In Place Impact fund awarded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council The National Lottery Community Fund
|
Phase One - the clearout
Our project was made possible thanks to #NationalLottery players
|
