Lets get more not less allotments and community gardens in Bristol
Bristol has some great allotments and community gardens and we often hear of them being under threat. This petition pushes back and asks for more provision not less - something to build resilience in the system for a bleak future some see when oil runs out and the climate changes...
The website address here is for a petition to parliament for all new developments to be obliged to include allotments;
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Make it compulsory that local authorities and developers make provision for allotments and community gardens on every new development. Waiting lists are huge we need more allotment sites."
"How resilient are we? Crisis is also an opportunity for change. As the bees die, we are getting an unmistakable warning. Without pollination, life as we know it is not possible. Think "tiny canaries in the coal mine." Then think "resilience.""
It is the local authority's duty to alot land to anyone who requires it to grow produce for themselves and their family. Allotments are now more popular than they were during the war and there are not enough to go around in Bristol. Over 100 people are waiting for space on one site alone.
To deal with the demand in Bristol, existing allotmenteers are put under pressure to "use it or lose it" with regular notices to quit or remedy plots. This should rightly be directed at those who have let their plots run wild through neglect, disinterest, maybe people who were swept up by the idea of an allotment like off of the tely, but are not as excited about the muddy reality. Fair enough right? But I am hearing worrying stories from long-term allotmenteers who are keen and committed, but are just limited due to age, illness, injury or family commitments. Because of the swollen waiting list, these people are put under pressure that never existsed before allotments got trendy. This isn't the answer!
Instead why not create more allotments! The Council makes zillions of squids out of redevelopements in the city, the new broadmead will make zillions out of happy shopping Bristolians. Give a little back and let citizens of this city claim their right to be alloted land for growing food. Just give us enough 'lots to go around - it's not asking the earth is it?
make this your indymedia front page
Monday May 19, 2008 09:47
by Emma
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Jump To Comment: 1 2 3We do need more allotments!!
It is the local authority's duty to alot land to anyone who requires it to grow produce for themselves and their family. Allotments are now more popular than they were during the war and there are not enough to go around in Bristol. Over 100 people are waiting for space on one site alone.
To deal with the demand in Bristol, existing allotmenteers are put under pressure to "use it or lose it" with regular notices to quit or remedy plots. This should rightly be directed at those who have let their plots run wild through neglect, disinterest, maybe people who were swept up by the idea of an allotment like off of the tely, but are not as excited about the muddy reality. Fair enough right? But I am hearing worrying stories from long-term allotmenteers who are keen and committed, but are just limited due to age, illness, injury or family commitments. Because of the swollen waiting list, these people are put under pressure that never existsed before allotments got trendy. This isn't the answer!
Instead why not create more allotments! The Council makes zillions of squids out of redevelopements in the city, the new broadmead will make zillions out of happy shopping Bristolians. Give a little back and let citizens of this city claim their right to be alloted land for growing food. Just give us enough 'lots to go around - it's not asking the earth is it?
I have just created a Facebook group for all the Bristol Allotmentees to hopefully chat and assist others.
I hope so, as Bristol has quite a few allotments and it would be good to all link up and help each other.
Also thinking of the older folk that may need help digging their plot over.
Hope the link works.
If not just search for Bristol Allotments
cheers, ears.