Walsall

Birchills Community Allotments - awarded £7,000

This project transformed an abandoned allotment into a community garden reflecting the diverse culture of the local community and promoting healthy living. Located on Lane Avenue in Walsall, the allotments prior to receiving Barclays SiteSavers funding were in some places derelict.

Groundwork helped bring about a strong partnership with the local Afro-Caribbean community, which was crucial in planning and delivering a project that reflects the cultural heritage of local people. Firm ideas were put forward concerning the physical development of the site and by working closely together agreement on the design and group activities soon followed. The project has raised the profile of the African Caribbean Community Association (ACCA) in the local community and has given participants the confidence and skills to manage the allotments effectively.

As a result, the community are now in possession of a new, fully functioning allotment, complete with social area and greenhouses. The allotment represents 748 metres of land reclaimed for community use.

ACCA regularly holds lunch clubs and delivers other activities and sessions involving groups in the community as well as distributing produce grown on the allotments.