Dawley Bank Horticultural Society have worked closely with the local authority and residents in identifying a parcel of reclaimed scrubland in an over developed old mining area for the community to grow food locally.

Dawley Bank in South East Telford has a wide demography encompassing an expanding population within two neighbouring parishes it is part of an area of huge complexity, socially, culturally and geographically.

The preparation of site including access, ground clearance and water installation will be planned sensitively with consideration to existing surrounding woodland and natural habitat. Currently the provision of allotment land in the Borough falls short of national recommendation and active steps have been taken by the local authority to redress this imbalance.

Two public consultations identified considerable local community interest in prospective allotment holders. People were invited to submit their own individual plans, designs and ideas for development of the site.
DBHS also received letters from enthusiastic residents with little or no garden requesting availability of allotment plots and embracing the prospect of growing their own produce.

Creation of community allotments has been shown to improve the well-being of all who enjoy outdoor activities and provide outlets for local produce. Enhanced community cohesion and improved social networks will help empower individuals to gain confidence in their own ability.  Concerns about childhood obesity and promoting nutritional education are also relevant. All generations and abilities will benefit, in the wider community, those experiencing isolation when moving into a new area, those who may feel disadvantaged physically,  emotionally, economically or socially. There will be raised beds for those unable to manage ground level gardening. This project will provide training and education through horticultural focused topics

Our local authority Telford & Wrekin has been receptive in sharing ideas and actively supporting the initiative.

To develop the allotment initiative funding was sourced from ‘Meeting The Aims of Local Food’ Lottery award scheme. Owing to an unprecedented response nationally for this particular grant the National Lottery has extended the time for processing first stage applications to twelve weeks.

Keep an eye on www.dbhsonline.org for updates.