News / KNowle West
Community allotment saved from closure
A community allotment is to reopen thanks to local people coming together to save it.
The Let’s Grow Community Allotment closed at the end of the last year after the charity that ran it, Knowle West Health Association, said it could no longer afford to do so.
The plot, which is part of Springfield Allotments in Knowle West, was then handed back to Bristol City Council, leaving its future uncertain.
But two local organisations – the Knowle West Alliance and re:work – have now confirmed that their joint bid to take over the running of the site has been successful.
A community allotment has been saved after Bristol24/7 revealed news of its closure – photo: Charlie Watts
“We are EXCITED to grow affordable veg, learn skills & access green space,” the Alliance, a collective of local residents and groups, said in a statement.
Knowle West resident Steve Griffiths will volunteer as the head gardener of the site, having previously worked on it when it was run by the Health Association.
He added: “Let’s hope it becomes a thriving community space with lots of local people using it.”
The allotment is at the top of the Northern Slopes, which gives it a view across Bristol – and includes a vegetable patch, pond and polytunnels.
There is also a section which was previously used as a forest school but is now set to be turned into individual allotment plots by the council.
Charlie Watts is reporting on Knowle West as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo: Charlie Watts
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