Case Study: Leases
Our Garden - Brit Growers, Wales
Background
A lively community site in Evanstown near Bridgend, the aptly named ‘Our Garden’ has a wide mix of users from across the Ogmore Valley, and is used daily by local people who go to tend their plot or to simply sit and chat with friends and neighbours.
The growing activities take place on former disused waste ground, which had once been used for housing until they were demolished some years ago. The sites were cleared and landscaped and now form the heart of the community.
The group behind this transformation is called Brit Growers, who approached housing association Valleys To Coast Housing about finding some land for community use and were offered the disused sites.
Benefits
The benefits to the local community are very clear to the people who use and run the garden. The local area had a reputation as a place where disenfranchised people would end up. Our Garden has helped change that perspective from the outside, as well as improving the outlook of local people about where they live.
People of all ages and abilities now look out for and help each other. Friendships have been made and people take pride in the garden.
Many of those who are regular visitors and volunteers at the garden have learned new skills and then pass on what they have learned.
It is an example of where a small community project has become the glue that has bound the wider community together.
Land Information
The process to secure the sites has not been without its issues. The solicitors employed by the Housing Association, being more used to commercial transactions, were less clear about the status and intentions of a community gardening group. This led to delays in finalising the 10-year lease agreement, whichwas on its third draft and still not completely agreed at the time of writing.
Despite the delays and bureaucracy, Brit Growers has continued to develop the site and is now a social enterprise with education and training objectives in all things horticulture.
Having been through the process, Brit Growers have some clear advice to others dealing with housing associations. They advise getting a letter of consent from them that will allow you to get a project up and running, while still in negotiation about the lease, as this could be subject to delays and that may lead to a loss of enthusiasm among local people for the project.
Brit Growers also advocate plenty of communication with landlords and inviting them to see your progress – this could lead to offers of more help!
Contact details
Please contact Brit Growers direct before making a visit.
Dan Y Bryn, Evanstown, Bridgend CF39 8RF
Phone 07507 458171; E mail:
More Images
Case Study: Our Garden – Brit Growers. Version 2, 2014 p1