Campaign to revive ‘neglected' Grove Park allotments which played role in WWII
Baring Road Allotments in Grove Park were first established in 1913 as a Co-Operative Land Club and managed by the Lee and District Land Club.
Spanning over 11 decades, these historic allotments played a key role during WWII as part of the 'Dig for Victory' campaign, providing food to local residents.
But over the years these allotments – described as an 'amazing community asset' – have become uncultivated and neglected, with the Covid-19 pandemic playing a major role in their decline.
These historic allotments played a key role during WWII as part of the 'Dig for Victory' campaign. (Image: Donna Ford)
A campaign, established by the allotment's new committee Wild Rangers, could see the allotments transformed to their former glory.
The non-profit organisation, which is dedicated to enhancing underused green spaces, is set to launch its Aviva Crowdfunding Campaign with a £12,500 goal fundraiser, with an Open Day and Plant Sale set to take place this Saturday (June 7) between 12pm and 2pm.
Kay, founder of Wild Rangers, said: 'It's disappointing to see the neglect of such an amazing community asset. Growing together has so many benefits for mental wellbeing; helps combat social isolation; improves physical health; and helps to strengthen local communities.'
A campaign could see the allotments transformed to their former glory. (Image: Donna Ford)
The revitalisation of the allotments are part of a wider community-led imitative to establish The Railway Children Urban National Park to safeguard Grove Park's greenspace, which is believed to have been the inspiration for E. Nesbit's The Railway Children.
Work has already commenced to clear the allotments, with work led by staff and volunteers, however the fundraiser is hoped to raise needed funds to help the organisation tackle larger capacity jobs to get the allotments up and running again.
The reduction of local allotments has been impacting communities across the UK over the last decade, as research conducted by Sheffield University revealed that allotment land has decreased by over half (65 per cent) by 2016.
The revitalisation of the allotments are part of a wider community-led imitative to establish The Railway Children Urban National Park. (Image: Donna Ford) However, these spaces can be vital for local communities in a bid to help tackle food poverty, with Lewisham Council passing the 'Right to Food Borough' motion committing to helping communities in Lewisham have more access to healthy and sustainable food.
Kay explained: 'Allotments up and down the country are often under-appreciated. This despite a growing demand and long waiting lists.
'With new fresh community-led energy now getting behind bringing this vital space back to life, we can enable many more people enjoy the benefits as the revived plots can be taken up by new tenants.
'We also hope we can raise enough funds to also deliver a community garden within the allotment.'
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