Framfield Allotments has over 100 volunteer gardeners from all walks of life who focus on improving their area for everyone. Working together, their large band of enthusiastic volunteers have successfully renovated their infrastructure – building new access roads, replacing an ancient water main, and creating a large wildlife area and pond.

The group is now focussing on building links with neighbouring community organisations. They host a social inclusion gardening project for women who have been victims of abuse. Gardening helps the ladies improve their physical and emotional well-being, and being part of this supportive community helps them rebuild their confidence.

Another of their schemes takes volunteer plot-holders outside the allotment site, to help transform the neglected gardens of a nearby social housing scheme into a productive grow-your-own garden. The residents have a variety of physical and learning disabilities, and are enjoying the benefits of healthy social activity (and looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labour!).

Hilary Jayne, committee member of the Framfield Allotments Community Project explains:
“We are delighted the Framfield Allotments Community Project has been awarded a Kerrygold Community Award. We have over 100 volunteers, all united by their love of gardening. We believe our project is a great example of how a group of people can come together to achieve something great for their wider community. It’s amazing what the group can accomplish when they set their mind to it.”

With the help of the Kerrygold Community Awards cash prize the group hope to raise awareness of their project and would like to improve their visitor facilities including the toilets and meeting area as well as replenishing their equipment.