A derelict site transformed into a community asset
- Region: South Wales
- Founded/started on site: 2014
- Member since: 2014
- Link to member profile on our map
Badgers Brook Allotment is in Brackla, Bridgend. It is a 40 plot site with ten disabled plots, three of which are used by organisations that support disabled people.
The site took part in the first Social Farms & Gardens ‘Have a grow day’ in Wales. The site was opened for the wider community to visit and explore. They had a marquee selling jams, chutnes, refreshments and plants and entertainment and activities including willow weaving and wood carving. On the day they raised over £1,000 towards their plans to regnerate the site which had fallen into a derelict state.
Since then the group managing the site havs gained charitable status and secured a 25 year lease from the council. All rents collected are plouged back into the site.
Lisa Lewis explained that there are now two local non-profit organisations working with disabled people on site with upto 50 service users attending to help cultivate the plots. A local mental health secure offenders unit also has a plot. Brackla Gardening Club has also recently starte with a grant from the local council. They plan to meet once a month and grow plants to sell and swap.
The group have planted an orchard and worked hard cleaning the woodland area. The site has won Green Flag Status and Wales in Bloom Awards. All in the space of a few growing seasons!
You can read more about Lisa's vision and the allotment site's transformation here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-44809393
Finally, what do you value about being a member of SF&G?
“SF&G have provided really useful advice and support in our regeneration of a derelict piece of land into a thriving allotment site. ”
Related Case Studies
Based in the heart of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Woodland Skills Centre team run a range of courses in traditional crafts, bushcraft courses, family holidays and courses for youth and community groups as well as Mindfulness courses as part of our health and well-being programme.
Chyan Community Field, an organic forest farm with community access, has been running since 2002. In that time, the group have transformed a disused, over-grown 2.2 acre Cornish field into a shining example of vegan organic growing, wildlife gardening, sustainable energy production and community involvement.
