The information you need

Our resources are divided into broad categories (see the headings below) and you can search using keywords too. If there is anything else you need to know, we are here to help. Just contact one of our team in an office near you.

  • Key
    Resource

    The £1.27m Resilient Green Spaces partnership project helped communities in Wales shape local food systems. Read the project evaluation report for learning and insights.

    Develop your Project, Farming and Gardening, Governance
    develop-your-project
    farming-and-gardening
    governance
  • Key
    Resource

    Subscribe to our grant funding digest - Resource Roundup - to stay ahead of the best funding and training opportunities for the community growing sector. 

    Develop your Project, Getting started, Money
    develop-your-project
    getting-started
    money
  • Key
    Resource

    Having the right insurance cover is vital for all farmers, gardeners and growers. Find out about insurance for Social Farms and Gardens members in partnership with insurance broker McClarons.

     

    Farming and Gardening, Getting started, Governance, Money, People, Safety, Your Group, Your Site
    farming-and-gardening
    getting-started
    governance
    money
    people
    safety
    your-group
    your-site
  • Key
    Resource

    The care farming knowledge base is a library of information developed by the care farming sector. It includes getting started as a care farmer, developing care farming services and related research. 

     

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • Key
    Resource

    A Business Planning Guide for ecological farm and forestry businesses.

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • Key
    Resource

    If you are a grower in Wales looking for an allotment plot or a landowner seeking to make land available for growing, our Frequently Asked Questions are a good place to start.

     

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • Key
    Resource

    Originally created by our team in Wales in conjunction with the Welsh Government, this comprehensive toolkit aims to help ensure local authorities and others involved in the management of allotment sites maximise the potential...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Key
    Resource

    Download our free Signage posters below. These posters will help your site in your safety measures when you come to re-open - implementing these measures will enable us to get back into our amazing spaces.

    Farming and Gardening, People, Safety, Your Site
    farming-and-gardening
    people
    safety
    your-site
  • Key
    Resource

    The Business Partnerships Toolkit is an extremely useful resource intended as a primer for community growing groups to share with local businesses and potential corporate partners, which explains why and how businesses can get...

    Develop your Project, Money
    develop-your-project
    money
  • Key
    Resource

    Provides detailed information. Your local library or Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) or other local organisations may have copies or follow the link below for further information from the publisher, Directory of Social...

    Money
    money
  • The Role Of Public Procurement In Transforming Wales' Food System report focuses on the role that the Welsh public sector could play in stimulating a substantial increase in horticultural outputs produced in Wales.

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • Read the evaluation reports from the Social Farms & Gardens Growing Care Farming project (2019-2022). The project aimed to provide more opportunities for people to access care farming services in the UK.

     

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • We've worked with sector specialists to report on the scale of the care farming sector since 2007. Our reports provide powerful information for policy makers, referral agencies and funders.

     

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • The Crop Cycle project provided a test bed for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) in the community setting – the very heart of our Foundational Economy. Four sites were established in Wrexham, Cwmbran, Rhondda Valley and...

  • A pack produced to help the general public, schools and community groups to garden in a changing climate.

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • Cynhyrchwyd y llyfryn hyfryd hwn yn wreiddiol ar gyfer prosiect perllan Gogledd Ddwyrain Cymru 2012. Mae rhai copïau’n dal i fodoli ac yn cael eu trysori gan eu perchnogion! Symudwn ymlaen i 2020 ac mae Ffermydd a Gerddi...

    Develop your Project, Your Group
    develop-your-project
    your-group
  • This lovely booklet was originally produced for the North East Wales orchard project 2012. A few copies still exist and are treasured by their owners! Fast forward to 2020 and Social Farms and Gardens are supporting community...

    Develop your Project, Your Site
    develop-your-project
    your-site
  • The Cost Benefit Analysis model is used extensively by voluntary and community sector partners, as well as public and private sectors. The methodology can be applied to a wide range of activities relevant to community farms...

    Develop your Project, Governance, Money, Your Group, Your Site
    develop-your-project
    governance
    money
    your-group
    your-site
  • Below we have selected some helpful resources to assist with supporting and encourage diversity in community farms and gardens.

    Develop your Project, Farming and Gardening, Governance, People, Your Group
    develop-your-project
    farming-and-gardening
    governance
    people
    your-group
  • This page contains a list of key organisations and websites supporting UK based organisations, not for profits and community groups.

    Governance, Money
    governance
    money
  • The Sensory Trust is a leading authority on inclusive and sensory design. They use nature and the outdoors to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with disability and health issues, their families and carers....

    People, Your Site
    people
    your-site
  • Free trustee recruitment guide,free advertising service and lots of free recruitment templates including trustee ads, board audits, interview questions and induction packs.

    Governance
    governance
  • The purpose of this briefing is to help community growing groups that currently run ad hoc corporate team volunteering events or receive enquiries from companies but haven’t yet hosted a team to:

    •    Assess whether to...

    Develop your Project, Money, People
    develop-your-project
    money
    people
  • Pro bono traditionally refers to legal work undertaken without charge, especially for a client on low income. However, is is increasingly being offered by other professional services including financial advisors, architects,...

    Getting started, Money, Your Group, Your Site
    getting-started
    money
    your-group
    your-site
  • This is a collection of resources and guidance for community growing groups interested in producing cider (or other fruit-based drinks) to generate income. Information is taken from an event at EarthTrust in Oxfordshire. 

    Develop your Project, Money
    develop-your-project
    money
  • Social investment tax relief (SITR) is a tax relief for social investment which encourages individuals to support social enterprises and helps them access new sources of finance. This brief guide provides an introduction for...

    Develop your Project, Money
    develop-your-project
    money
  • Growing cut flowers for display and sale can create an income stream as well as having a beneficial impact on your volunteers and beneficiaries. They also look great!  This case study features tips and ideas from Amanda Clay...

    Develop your Project, Money
    develop-your-project
    money
  • This briefing looks at the effects of VAT on the most likely income streams of community food growers. It is intentionally brief and provides links for further information. It is provided as an overview and starting point for...

    Money
    money
  • Crowdfunding is a form of community finance, where money for projects is gathered from a large number of stakeholders via an online crowdfunding campaign site. In most cases, the contribution is in the form of donations (of...

  • Crowdfunding is a simple idea - but there's a lot of things involved in running a campaign with a good chance of success. Based on information received from community growing groups who have run campaigns - alongside our own...

    Develop your Project, Money
    develop-your-project
    money
  • This short briefing sheet is a guide aimed at helping community growing organisations develop the confidence to approach businesses - either small local firms, or national companies.

    Businesses can support community...

    Develop your Project, Money, Your Group
    develop-your-project
    money
    your-group
  • Workplace growing spaces are experiencing a higher profile as the demand for community growing spaces has increased. This is particularly relevant in areas where few open spaces are available to people and where those people...

    Develop your Project, Getting started, Your Group, Your Site
    develop-your-project
    getting-started
    your-group
    your-site
  • For many groups the idea of trading to generate income for their project can be a daunting one, but small-scale trading not only brings essential diversity in your income stream, it also creates many opportunities for...

    Develop your Project, Money
    develop-your-project
    money
  • This document contains three case studies where businesses and institutions have, with the help and support of Social Farms & Gardens, created workplace growing sites, so that employees can enjoy the benefits of communal...

    Farming and Gardening, Getting started, Your Group
    farming-and-gardening
    getting-started
    your-group
  • The big brand Go Compare and Duffryn Community Link, a small community growing group, have worked together for the benefit of local people in one of the most deprived areas of Wales. 

     

    Develop your Project, Farming and Gardening, Money, Your Group
    develop-your-project
    farming-and-gardening
    money
    your-group
  • Rooted in Hull, which brings the concept of a ‘farm in a box’ directly into the centre of Hull, has worked extensively with the local business community, including Bonus Electrical. 
     

    Develop your Project, Money, Your Group
    develop-your-project
    money
    your-group
  • Space To Grow is a community growing project hosted by Lloyds Banking Group in Edinburgh, which aims to use outdoor and indoor spaces, at various business sites, to enable employees and communities to grow food and flowers....

    Farming and Gardening, Your Group
    farming-and-gardening
    your-group
  • Queen's University in Northern Ireland has helped educate The Bridge Community Garden about business support.
     

    Farming and Gardening, Your Group
    farming-and-gardening
    your-group
  • This action pack is designed to provide the information you need on all aspects of a Community Composting operation. Help and advice is offered for all stages, from the initial planning to the distribution of your valuable...

    Develop your Project, Your Site
    develop-your-project
    your-site
  • The purpose of this guidance is to help community gardens or farms establish a café that can generate an income to help support the rest of the site.

     

     

    Develop your Project, Your Site
    develop-your-project
    your-site
  • Tips and advice for groups running Have a Grow Day events.

    Money, Your Group, Your Site
    money
    your-group
    your-site
  • Projects from across Wales and beyond came together for the 2017 Tyfu Fyny Annual CSA Gathering in September. This is a summary of the meeting and provides access to all the workshop reports, presentations, videos and other...

    Farming and Gardening, Money
    farming-and-gardening
    money
  • The Open University has a wide range of free online courses which could be of interest to managers and trustees of community growing projects.

    For example, the Open University's Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership...

    Governance, Money, Your Group
    governance
    money
    your-group
  • Having adequate insurance cover is vital for all farmers, gardeners and growers, whether you are providing care services, inviting visitors onto your site or organising volunteer work days and other events.

    Getting started, Safety, Your Group
    getting-started
    safety
    your-group
  • School Food Matters campaigns for fresh sustainable food in schools and promotes food education through cooking, growing and visits to farms. It's mission is to ensure that every child enjoys fresh sustainable food at school...

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • Premium
    Resource

    Our Scotland team have produced two case studies about community gardens who either have school groups regularly using their site, or who have their garden based on school grounds.

    Each case study highlights both the...

    Develop your Project
    develop-your-project
  • With the massive groundswell in community growing the relevance of developing a collective voice is stronger than ever. This factsheet has been written by our Scottish team to help you establish a network in your area,...

    Getting started, Your Group
    getting-started
    your-group
  • These case studies have been prepared to provide illustrations of how community gardens can both contribute to and benefit from improved biodiversity.

    Produced by our Scotland team, each case study highlights elements...

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • This factsheet describes what biodiversity is and why it is important, how your garden can contribute to increasing biodiversity and how gardening with wildlife in mind can help your project. Includes top tips and advice on...

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • The Access to Farms Partnership, which includes SF&G, has released a practical Risk Management Tool to help farmers and other farm visitor attractions look at their venues and plan ways to make the best use of their...

    Safety
    safety
  • We all have to answer the call of nature: yet the chances are that if you are working on your allotment plot or community garden, the back of a hedge is your only option. Installing a toilet can make it easier to attract new...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • A comprehensive toolkit created by SF&G, to help community growing groups, particularly those who are more established, with the process of recording and archiving their valuable history.
     

    Your Group
    your-group
  • A factsheet to help anyone charged with managing an allotment site develop strategies and solutions to tackle vandalism and security issues on their site.

    This factsheet is one of a series of factsheets, along with a...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Allotments provide a number of health and social benefits but are often inaccessible for the people they could most benefit. Many managers and associations are keen to improve access to their sites. The need to do so is...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Unlike most commercial farms, livestock reared and kept on city farms have contact with large numbers of people, many of whom will have no experience of livestock and may not know how to behave around farm animals. Close...

    Farming and Gardening
    farming-and-gardening
  • NCVO connects, represent and support voluntary organisations in England. Huge range of resources and information on all aspects of running a voluntary organisation.

    www....

    Getting started, Governance, Money, People
    getting-started
    governance
    money
    people
  • All gardens begin with good intentions, but because of the absence of a workable long term management plan some can become derelict and unloved. This guide outlines good practice to ensure the long term sustainabilty of...

    Develop your Project
    develop-your-project
  • There are many reasons for a school garden and lots of different designs to suit every objective. This handout from SF&G's Community Garden Training Course provides suggestions to get you thinking. Each one can be adapted...

    Develop your Project
    develop-your-project
  • Lots of useful publications including 'The Complete Fundraising Handbook', 'Complete Charity Media Skills Training' and DIY guides to publicity and public relations, 'Just about Managing' and 'Voluntary but not amateur'.

    ...
    Getting started
    getting-started
  • Works in partnership with the media industry to support the voluntary sector's communication needs. Programme of workshops and seminars.

    www.mediatrust.org

    Getting started
    getting-started
  • Recognises high quality green spaces in England and Wales managed by voluntary and community groups.

    www.greenflagaward.org.uk

    Develop your Project
    develop-your-project
  • One of a number of useful factsheets produced by Trellis, the organisation supporting therapeutic horticulture in Scotland.

    www.trellisscotland.org....

    Develop your Project
    develop-your-project
  • BEN reaches out to ethnic communities in order to stimulate participation. It also helps mainstream organisations gain the necessary awareness and skils to work effectively with ethnic communities. The website gives access to...

    Develop your Project
    develop-your-project
  • Since 1990 LTL has been helping schools across the UK to bring lasting improvements to the environmental quality and educational use of their grounds. Lots of useful publications for all ages and stages of the curriculum. ...

    Develop your Project
    develop-your-project
  • This guide highlights important questions that board members and managers need to consider, so that you'll never have to say "I wish I'd said something sooner".

    ...

    Governance
    governance
  • Payroll giving is one of the most tax-effective ways to donate to charity. This website explains how the system works.

    ...

    Governance, Money
    governance
    money
  • A national charity leading UK volunteering in policy and practice.

    http://volunteeringmatters.org.uk

    People
    people
  • The aim of DBS checks is to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults who may volunteer or visit your project. Getting a DBS disclosure is a legal obligation in some circumstances, or a requirement for insurance...

    People
    people
  • The purpose of this Code of Practice is to help ensure visitor health and safety by provdiing sensible, practical and proportionate guidance on preventing or controlling ill health at visitor attracctions.

    Safety
    safety
  • money
  • Provides a foundation or understanding the role played by finance in your organisation.

    www.uk.coop/resources/simply-finance

    Money
    money
  • A network of professional firms giving pro bono advice to community groups.

    www.bitc.org.uk/programmes/prohelp

    Money
    money
  • Several useful publications, including: ‘Charity reporting and accounting: The essentials’ (CC15a); ‘The essential trustee: What you need to know’ (CC3); and 'Managing charity assets and resources: an overview for trustees’(...

    Governance, Your Group
    governance
    your-group
  • A comprehensive guide from Coops UK to understanding the systems and processes concerned with the running of a sustainable community enterprise.

    Governance, Your Group
    governance
    your-group
  • Useful checklist for considering legal structure options for your organisation.

    www.uk.coop/simplylegal

    Governance, Your Group
    governance
    your-group
  • A whole range of wildlife gardening resources.

    www.wildlifetrusts.org/how-you-canhelp/wildlife-gardening

    Your Site
    your-site
  • A joint UK-based initiative by the RHS and the Wildlife Trusts giving information, project ideas and a monthly newsletter aimed at attracting more wildlife to your garden.

    ...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • For information on how to test your soil visit the BBC website.

    www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Can provide list of companies providing soil testing services.

    www.soilassociation.org

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Expert advice, guidance and support on taking ownership and/or management of under-used land and buildings.

    http://locality.org.uk/our...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Explains the role of Local Government in the UK's democratic system.

    www.local.gov.uk

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Types of council, decision making, spending and accounts, local councillors and elections, and how to make a complaint.

    www....

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Meanwhile Space works with landlords, landowners, developers and local authorities to advise and deliver projects that relieve them temporarily of liabilities (insurance, rates, security etc.) associated with holding redundant...

    Your Site
    your-site
  • A guide to growing on contaminated land produced by the Grow your own Scotland working group. The principles outlined in the guide apply anywhere.

     

    Your Site
    your-site
  • Information on volunteering and social action in Scotland.

    www.scvo.org.uk

    Getting started
    getting-started
  • Information on volunteering and social action in Wales.

    www.wcva.org.uk

    Getting started, Governance, People
    getting-started
    governance
    people
  • Information on volunteering and social action in England.

    www.navca.org.uk

    Getting started, Governance, People
    getting-started
    governance
    people