The project is to create a community garden, including wheel-chair accessible raised beds, developed for additional utility for plot holders and space for two partner charities and a local primary school.

Below is a visualisation of the proposed design, followed by a list of documents related to the project and a summary of the key points and responses to FAQs.

Work is to be funded by a grant from Richmond Community Fund (awarded in Summer 2024).

The Community Garden Project documents can be accessed by clicking on the links below:

Grant objectives

  • A new wheel-chair accessible area of 5 raised allotment ‘beds’ for horticulture and ‘learning through cultivation’.
  • A new platform or patio bordering Beverley Brook, with an adjacent pond and wildlife area, for teaching/training, showcasing biodiversity and well-being support.
  • More intensive use of an existing lawned Green to promote health and well-being and community cohesion.

Project to be completed over Winter  24 / Spring 25.

Project to maximise use of recycled materials where possible and minimise disturbance of the existing large trees and shrubs as much as possible and work with committee and plot holders who can provide  a major part of the planting material.

Aim is to create a biodiverse environment  to support learning and therapeutic objectives as well as to provide a relaxing, social environment for plot-holders.

Proposed design

Lower Right-hand side – 

  • Area cleared and levelled 
  • 5 raised beds 60-90cm high,  5m in length and 1.2m wide made ideally from recycled wood sleepers or similar:
  • Wheelchair accessible paths to the left, right, bottom and top of the beds 

Lower left hand side –

  • Rose beds to remain as is, and will need to be protected during the building work

Central grassy area –

  • Area to be raised to the level of rose beds and path around raised beds
  • Removal and root-balling of existing fruit tree to move to RHS side Reseeded or re-turfed after end of building work 

Work expected to be completed

  • A new wheel-chair accessible area of 5 raised allotment ‘beds’ for horticulture and ‘learning through cultivation’
  • Removal of all the rubbish, undergrowth, and level the area creating a platform level for a teaching area to the left and small woodland garden to the right-hand side.
  • A dead hedge will be built at the back bordering Beverley Brook using materials sourced by the allotment committee and  supported by BACC
  • Excavation of a 2m-by-2m pond on the left-hand side, line and cover with rebar grid
  • Relocation of an existing small tool shed from a plot to the area close to the pond 
  • Teaching area finished with suitable surface such as bound gravel 
  • Woodland area to have topsoil added to enable planting by the allotment committee and volunteers.
  • The appearance needs to be naturalistic using recycled materials wherever possible
  • Plants will be provided, propagated or sourced by the allotment committee 

Plot holder amenities created by Community Project 

  • 3 large raised beds for plot-holders which to be used for: 
  • Providing ‘downsized plots’ for those with insufficient time or issues with mobility to transfer to
  • Providing ‘starter’ plots for new plot holders unable to commit to a full plot
  • Improved appearance, access and usefulness of the current community area 
  • Levelling of current grassy area and addition of 6 new benches for plot holder seating.
  • Building on existing planting, adding a woodland garden and creating planting interest throughout the year.
  • Removal of rubbish both at back and current broken raised beds  and creating a flattened platform area for plot-holder and event use with potential for temporary cover
  • Improve safety of area at the back  by Beverley Brook by introducing a dead hedge in cooperation with BCAA 

Frequently Asked Questions raised by plot holders

  • Accessibility: has this been fully addressed? – The plan has been updated to adopt the ‘THRIVE’ guidelines for path width and turning circles and including space for temporary seating in bed area.
  • Noise and disruption to existing plot holders: – Renewable user agreements will be in place with all parties who will use only the Hertford gate and attend in small supervised parties.
  • Will the area be improved if the grant is not accepted? No: BHAS does not have the funds or resources for such extensive landscape work.
  • Need for a management plan: Will include a) Supervision arrangements and committee contacts b) Working and implementation group c) Cover over school holidays d) Waiting list for raised beds if necessary.
  • Will use of area by non-plot holders raise security issues? No casual use will be permitted, only pre-agreed timetabled use will be allowed by partners. This will be covered in the renewable user agreement. Access will be restricted to Hertford Avenue main gate and the community area only.
  • Why use BHAS money for this? Only a small matching amount has been earmarked from BHAS funds – this may indeed not be required, or replaced with volunteer input.