In 2005 the priorities of Ashfield Allotment Association in Liverpool were to improve facilities on the site and encourage more people to take on allotments.

The allotments had been losing plotholders for many years and the site wasn't securely fenced, so there were frequent attacks from vandals. There was also a large area of land that had been derelict for over 10 years. To encourage more people to take up plots, a rotovator was purchased with a grant for £1,300 from Berrybridge Housing. A dilapidated wooden meeting shed with a leaking roof was replaced with storage containers and new locks were put on the main gates. A grant of £5,000 from Awards for All paid for these improvements and there was money left over to buy some new equipment. Seven more grants were later awarded and have been used for notice boards, new equipment and site security. The total of all the grants raised so far is over £12,000.

Liverpool City Council wanted to see the progress of the allotments continue so they completed all of the fencing work needed. The council also cleared and rotovated the derelict plots and these have been turned into half plots, which are easier for people to manage.

Much needed toilet facilities have been funded by a Neighbourhood Renewal Fund ‘Cleaner, Safer, Greener Communities’ grant. The Allotment Association is also working in partnership with Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Primary Care Trust ‘5 A Day Trust’ to create a communal allotment for local schools, community groups and disabled people.

A lot of work has happened in the past two years, the site has really improved. There are now tools and equipment that people can hire to help them cultivate their plots, and the improved site security has greatly reduced vandalism. There are also a lot more plotholders and a waiting list of people wanting to take on the newly rotovated half-plots. Even more good news – the site is being entered for a Green Pennant award.

Daniel Barrington

First published: ARI Winter Newsletter 2007/08