Community partnership helps bring local allotments back to life
A community-led project is set to breathe new life into a Cornforth allotment site after securing funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Volunteers, Durham Probation Service and the Parish Garden Committee are joining forces to transform the 38-plot parish garden allotments, creating a more attractive and welcoming community space while improving facilities for current and future plot holders and protecting its valuable wildlife habitat.
Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, alongside a £2,000 award from our Green Spaces Community Grant Fund, will support improvements including new boundary fencing, signage and trail cameras.
The project will also support the ongoing development of a micro-nature reserve, which is already home to wildlife including frogs, toads, dragonflies, robins and woodpeckers. Through a free booking system, schools and community groups will be able to visit the site, helping local children learn about and connect with nature. As well as boosting biodiversity, the allotments provide residents with opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing and grow fresh produce.
Jo Yelland, Cornforth parish council chairperson and our tenant said: "I'm really pleased to see our local stakeholders, such as Livin, take the wellbeing of the natural areas we live in seriously. The Garden's are a huge undertaking, and any funds or support is gratefully received!"
Lisa Newham, Community Regeneration Adviser said “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership working and the positive contribution community led initiatives can make to local neighbourhoods, supporting our commitment to creating places where people and nature can thrive together."
Pictured: Lisa Newham (Community Regeneration Adviser), Jo Yelland (Cornforth Parish Council Chairperson and our tenant), Chloe Coils (Customer Success Adviser), Tom Hunter an Chris Swan (Durham Probation Service).