Growing your own in the cityPrint
“People shouldn't have to walk more than 500 yards or so to get to a space where they can grow something,” says Sarah Milner-Simonds. This is the guiding principle behind The People's Plot.
It all stared two years ago when the marketing
manager-turned-gardener was called upon to look after a community
allotment in South Acton. "It's a green oasis in the middle of an
estate of tower blocks, currently undergoing the largest
social-housing regeneration process in Europe," Sarah explains.
"The blocks have been demolished and rebuilt around the little
allotment, which seems dwarfed in comparison."
Nevertheless the plot plays a big role. "People who didn't feel
as though the green space around them was theirs can come to the
plot and experiment and share a piece of nature with their
neighbours," says Sarah. "I do think that makes a difference and I
do know that every penny that's spent on food is counted here, and
every penny that's saved by growing something is very much
valued."
From the very beginning the allotment was about more than simply
growing veg. It soon became a "social, eating together thing."
Evening workshops are held throughout autumn and winter, cookery
skills are shared and parties and events held throughout the year
draw in over a hundred.
With so much growing and eating going on, the People's Plot has
become a focal point of the local community where its members can
come together, and grow together. "The allotment has doubled in
size and acts as a sanctuary for residents" says Sarah. "It's
somewhere nature is thriving and the community can enjoy."
