A Middlesbrough community organisation aims to transform a vandal-hit allotment into a haven for wildlife and nature while promoting good will between the generations.
Thorntree-based Community Ventures Limited (CVL) has recently taken over an abandoned allotment in Town Farm, Middlesbrough.
The over-grown allotment has been at the centre of a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB.) Most recently, a shed was set on fire, which led to to the fire brigade being called.
CVL’s PCC-funded, five-week Summer Gardening Club was the first step in turning the tide of ASB and vandalism while encouraging young and old to get to know each other and work together.
First, young people were told about the impact of antisocial behaviour on the allotments, their owners and the wider community.
Then, they were introduced to other allotment holders – many of whom are much older than themselves.
After that, children were shown how to create and maintain a garden, which promotes nature and wildlife.
Members of the summer club have been shown how to design bird boxes, wildlife hotels and how to create a wellbeing corner.
The wellbeing corner is designed to give young people somewhere quiet to sit and reflect. They will be surrounded by mature apple trees and fresh herbs.
Organisers hope that by giving younger people ownership of part of the allotments, they will take special care of the area and discourage ASB in future.
Young man’s group the Boys in Blue are just one of the groups, who will now use the allotment.
Bridging the Gap
Dean Johansen-Berg, CVL Community Manager, said: “At first, we had a mixed reaction to the project from allotment holders.
“Some of them thought by bringing young people to the allotments, they were going to cause trouble but it’s actually had the opposite effect because of that element of education first.
“The project is now bridging the gap between generations. Instead of young people thinking “There’s that old man, who always shouts at me,” they now think “There’s that old man, who was in World War Two and has a story to tell.”
“The older people are less likely to think “That’s just some kid in a hooded top out to cause trouble” and more likely to say “That’s the young person, who comes to the allotment and helps to dig it over.” “
For Cleveland PCC Steve Turner, the summer allotment programme fulfilled a lot of the aims of his Antisocial Behaviour Fund.
He said: “Giving young people ownership of an area and encouraging them to have pride in their surroundings means they are less likely to get involved in vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
“If you have invested time and effort in an area, you are less likely to want to see it ruined by yourself, your mates or, indeed, anyone else in the community.”
The PCC’s ASB Fund gave £1,500-worth of funding to CVL to help buy gardening equipment and pay for staffing for the summer programme.
The year-long project still has some way to go. A greenhouse, polytunnels and planting are all planned for the site as part of the community-wide project.
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