EUKN - United Kingdom - Cavendish Gardens Co-op

Cavendish Gardens Co-op

Introduction

This case study demonstrates that simple changes like starting a gardening co-operative can have tremendous affects both on the local environment and on the attitudes of local residents.

Problem

In the 1990s the Beechdale estate in Walsall had a bad reputation. It was run down, many areas of the site were derelict and it had a series of social problems. It was frequented by gangs of youths, drug-abusers and joy-riders. Burglars used the area to dump their unwanted goods. Many of the residents were elderly, some where disabled. They felt fearful of crime on the estate and as a consequence were socially isolated.

Description

This case study describes the evolution of a community gardening project initiated and run by residents of Beechdale Estate in Walsall on a voluntary basis. It shows how the garden drew people in to use and develop the space building a sense of community.

Approach

An entirely bottom-up approach was taken, with residents taking the initiative to develop the gardens. Two residents began by improving gardens around their block. Residents then applied to take over some of the estate as a communal area. In 2002 residents formed a co-operative, which took over full responsibility for the grounds. Community meetings were held once a month to discuss ideas for improvements.

It was important that everyone felt they could contribute whether through applying their gardening skills or other abilities such as plumbing, carpentry or IT (for the website and newsletter).

Results

The garden has continued to evolve and now includes a kitchen garden area, growing a range of vegetables which are distributed freely to residents.

The garden has won numerous awards from:

Walsall in Bloom,
the National Housing Federation,
the Chartered Institute for Housing
and the British Urban Regeneration Association.

The co-op has created a high level of creative social interaction and co-operation where previously there was fear and environmental degradation.

Beneficiaries

The residents of Beechdale estate are the main beneficiaries.

Resources used

The garden is an entirely voluntary operation. The tenant controlled housing association provides the tools and operating costs, but the new planting and the garden furniture are funded by the residents themselves. It is driven by a sense of enthusiasm from residents.

Contact info

Regen WM
enquiries@regenwm.org

Project start date

//2002

Links

Visit the Regen WM website

Download the 'Cavendish Gardens Co-op' Report (PDF, Eng, 165 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Keywords

Community development