Kemble Community Gardens

There is a core team of about 10 people, who are driving forward the creation of the allotment and community garden idea. That includes legal, land, finance and fund raising, communications, and engaging the community.

There are now (April 2009) 32 individual plots - either with their own plot, or more commonly sharing it with a friend, neighbour or family.

There is also a wider band of 30 people of all ages and levels of fitness, who turn up to clear scrub, make tea and cakes, and look after the children. Most do not want a plot of their own (too much work!), but want to use the area for fun, peace, leisure etc

Slide show showing changes from 2008-May 2009

The begining
November 2007 - started the ball rolling by approaching the Kemble Parish Council. We discovered that, if 5 or more people request an allotment, the council is obliged 'to consider' it.

They did!

Phase 1: December - March 08 Creation

• Negotiation with the Parish and District Councils about the use and availability of the land.
• Getting interest and committment from local people.
• Finding out what was on the land and how big it was - with the help of the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Malmesbury Garden Centre and Alison Ensor.
• Thinking about how best to achieve our goals.

About 15-20 allotments have been dug and planted; plants are growing (and so are the weeds!); the community area is up and running; workshops have been run; the insurance, constitution and brief rules are in place.

We are still waiting for the formal paperwork with the CDC - but we also have their support too, so no problems (fingers crossed).

Everyone is now busy digging; planting; weeding and watering - and looking admiringly at what everyone else has done - especially at Margeret and Marjorie's plot!

Phase 3: October 08 - Jan 09 Reflection

Create community orchard and soft fruit, including small pond

Clear more allotment space according to demand. (It is now June08, and we have a waiting list for plots)

Phase 4: Feb 09 - October 09 Year 2! - Orchard and second planting year

We are creating the central community garden space, with a few fruit trees, some soft fruit underneath, herb area and places to sit in the sun. Those who help to create the area, and tend/weed/water it can harvest a share of the fruit.

This is also intended as a quiet space for people to relax in the sun (assuming that we have any this year!). This is especially important for those who do not have large gardens, or live by the busy main road that runs through the village.

Now that this is our second year of planting, we are all experimenting with different types and variety of seeds, and building on our experiences from our first year. Some have decidied to abandon brassicas, whilst others are trying a special moth-proof netting! Quite a few members are trying heritage seeds and unusual varieties of veg that you can't buy in the shops.