Horton Community Farm

A plan to transform the large, derelict portion of Cecil Avenue Allotments into a thriving community resource and food growing area supplying locally grown, fresh fruit and veg at prices accessible to all the local community.

Informal work sessions: Thursdays 3-6pm, Saturdays 10-2pm
This is a chance to volunteer to help bring to fruition this planned Community Farm which will transform the derelict allotments. The task at the moment is mainly junk clearance. Feel free to come along for all or just part of a session. It is advisable to wear old clothes and sturdy boots and bring a lunch for Saturday sessions. Gloves, waterproofs and hot drinks are provided. Meet on site. The entrance is the main gate into Cecil Avenue Allotments which is 3/4 of the way up the street on the right. No insurance cover is available at the moment so participation is at your own risk. Ring Jonathan on 07811376870 if you are interested.

Please fill in our survey about this project. This will suport our bid for lottery money

Photos of work on site are now online

View our Permaculture Designs for the site

The project will renovate the allotment site at Cecil Avenue to provide a safe environment for people in the local community to grow healthy food for local consumption. The site is around 5 acres in total area with 100 plots. Only around 10% of the total site appears cultivated. The remainder is currently derelict, with areas of weeds, brambles, undergrowth and native saplings. There is also a problem with fly-tipping, vandalism, theft and drug abuse.

View Map

Community Suported Agriculture
The main part of the project will be run as a Community Supported Agriculture scheme which has been described as “A partnership between farmers and consumers where the responsibilities and rewards of farming are shared”. Consumers and growers will take mutual responsibility for the whole growing cycle. It will be financially self-supporting as all running costs of the CSA would be paid for by membership subscription fees. Members then get a share of the harvest, providing weekly vegetable (and fruit) boxes all year at a cost accessible to all.

Starter Plots
Another part of the project will provide mini-plots (huge grow-bags) for rent at a nominal cost. People can use these to learn to grow their own food without the need to dig or take on a larger plot.

The project will provide a hub/focal point for additional community activities and ventures such as composting, mentoring for food growing & tool use, gardening skills, healthy eating, a resource for education (school, youth and community groups) and volunteer opportunities.

Benefits

• Statutory allotment site being used as productive food growing land, well cultivated and a valued and utilised resource.
• Reduction of food miles compared to current food outlets. This would  reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce the carbon foot print of the area.
• Resilience in food security (both cost and availability).
  
• A good example of what can be done locally, by local people, for local people. Can be used as a model for replication around the city (or country).

• Improvement in the immediate environment for neighbouring residents – safer, cleaner and visually appealing. Increase in sense of community ownership and responsibility.
• Increase in use of allotments due to multiple factors such as a pleasant environment, increased safety with more people around, paid staff able to keep an eye on site and provide expertise, advice and mentoring.
• Health benefits for local people ie. healthy eating, exercise and mental welfare through taking responsibility for their own food and learning new skills.
• Raising the profile of Bradford as showcase of best practice in community and urban regeneration.
• The provision of employment and volunteering opportunities.
  
  

Please fill in our survey about this project. This will suport our bid for lottery money - Local food survey

Timeline

1. Preliminary discussion with Janette, Council Allotment Officer regarding feasibility, leases, etc. [done 23/10/08]
2. Apply for funding for site clearance [done] and capital costs
3. Contact existing plot holders letting them know what is happening. [done]
4. Complete business plan [first draft completed]
5. Work with community groups and local residents to prove need, desire and support for project. [begun]