It’s hoped a new lease of life will be given to a popular semi-rural allotment site close to the Peddimore project thanks to Winvic and developer client IM Properties.
Forge Farm Allotments on Walmley Ash Lane in Minworth has been awarded a special one-off £15,000 grant to secure the 70-plot site from IM Properties’ Peddimore Community Fund.
The Peddimore Community Fund, managed by the charity, Heart of England Community Foundation, is designed to deliver a positive impact to local communities near to IMP’s Minworth scheme, donating time, money, and resources in partnership with IMP’s sup LTply chain.
This has been achieved at Forge Farm Allotments thanks to IMP’s close partnership with Winvic and its fencing sub-contractor AA Lambs. Winvic & AA Lambs generously waived its costs to prepare the ground and erect the new perimeter fence to safeguard the allotment site.
The old wooden fencing is being recycled and repurposed by the allotment holders into planters and compost bins for use by all the members.
Walmley and Minworth Councillor John Cooper explains: “Forge Farm Allotments is an incredibly important community asset for Minworth and one of just 11 allotment sites in Sutton Coldfield. Unfortunately, its previously open aspect due to broken fencing had led to break-ins and thefts of equipment which was incredibly upsetting to the allotment holders who work so hard to cultivate this land.
“The community fund investment has secured the allotments and sparked newfound enthusiasm for them. A new allotment committee has been formed and there is already an extensive waiting lists for plots. We hope the entire Minworth community will benefit from these allotments, whether its growing or buying Forge Farm produce or perhaps children visiting the site to learn more about fruit, vegetables, and plants.
“We cannot thank IM Properties enough for recognising the importance of this land and investing in it. These allotments are contributing to the health and wellbeing of the local community in so many positive ways and will continue to do so for years to come.”
Kerry Amory, social value manager for IM Properties said: “The Community Fund aims to identify and deliver benefit where it is most needed. Forge Farm was a project that really stood out for us because it is right at the heart of our development area and we know the benefits allotments can bring to people’s wellbeing, and how scarce allotment sites are in this area.
“Forge Farm Allotments has been a part of this community since 1975 and just needed some new investment to ensure modern equipment could be safely stored onsite. We’ve delivered a simple solution that has reinvigorated this community asset and we continue to seek similar worthy local projects for the Community Fund.”
Emma Rhymes, social value manager at Winvic added: “By installing this fencing we’ve helped to secure Forge Farm Allotments for the future and make it a more welcoming space for allotment holders to spend time outdoors and socialise with one another. We are delighted with the impact our contribution has made and can’t wait to sample some of the fresh produce grown here!”
For further information on how to apply for grants of up to £2000 from the Peddimore Community Fund visit http://www.heartofengland.co.uk/peddimore-community-fund/ or call 024 7688 3297.
To apply for a Forge Farm allotment, visit www.forgefarmallotments.weebly.com.
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