Adopt-a-Garden Scheme

The Adopt-A-Garden scheme was launched on the Isle of Wight in 2008 and is an innovative idea, which seeks to bring together two types of people. The person who has a garden they can no longer look after and the individual who wants a growing space. The householder gets their garden looked after for free and the gardener gets a free allotment in return. The project has been featured on BBC TV and in the National gardening press.

“The scheme could mean that some of the Island’s 3,000 uncared for gardens could be growing local food for local people… reducing food miles and encouraging healthy eating along with exercise through gardening activities. This fits very neatly with the Council’s Eco Island vision..’

“The scheme may have other add-on benefits. The gardener might keep an eye on the householder and report any welfare concerns to the authorities. New friendships might be developed between neighbours and across the generations…“ said Ray Harrington-Vail of the Footprint Trust, who are leading the project.

It is the case that many Islanders can no longer look after their gardens due to ill health or old age. Volunteers to assist with this growing problem are hard to come by, but ironically there is an increased interest in gardening amongst younger people, many of whom have small gardens or no gardens at all. There is also a waiting list of over 250 people for Isle of Wight Council allotments. The Isle of Wight Council endorses the scheme and encourages anyone currently on the allotment waiting list to consider this innovative alternative.

This pilot project will seek to match up 50 gardens with 50 gardeners between February 2008 and April 2009. The initiative will be expanded if extra funding can be accessed. To date the Isle of Wight Charitable Trust, The Footprint Trust and Anchor Staying Put have contributed to the project. The public can help by distributing promotional postcards and putting up posters in local shops, churches and schools.

“Only gardens that can be accessed from the public highway, i.e. not through a house, are be eligible. The gardeners must be allowed access to tend their produce every day. In some cases it might be necessary to give the gardener a key to the garden gate so this can occur. The area handed over to the gardener should be clearly defined. Issues such as cutting of the lawn or removal of any lawn area should be discussed at an initial meeting. The gardener must dispose of all rubbish created in the growing process. Composting of uncooked organic matter should be permitted, but away from the house. No bonfires should be lit. Householder must have safe access to their garden at all times and to paths, washing line, outhouses etc. Siting of waterbutts, compost bins or any other structure should also be agreed beforehand. We would suggest that no money changes hands from either party. Mains water, if used, could be donated by the householder as a way of saying thank you for looking after their garden.”

The Footprint Trust, a local registered environmental charity, has a commitment to renew and sustain the essential connection between people, plants, and the environment. The satisfying experiences of planting, cultivating, and harvesting fruits and vegetables can create a lifelong appreciation for healthy living. The Trust believes that gardening is a means of promoting education, health and wellness, environmental stewardship and community endeavour.

Anchor Staying Put supports this project due to its commitment to helping older and disabled people to stay living in their own homes independently, safely, securely and warmly. Staying Put provides practical support in helping people adapt, repair or improve their home to enable this. Tash Koerner, Agency Manager, said:

As of September 2008:

Over 70 households are signed up – about 90 people
We have carried out CRB’s (Police) checks on 41 people
Matched up 15 “pairs”, of whom 8 are “active” at the moment
8 “active” pairings
Several mainland LA’s and charities are interested
TV & radio – has been featured on BBC TV South Today, BBC Radio 2, Radio Solent, IW Radio and Angel Radio.
Interest has been shown from BBC Inside Out, River Cottage & The One Show
Has been mentioned in – Gardening News, County Press, IW Beacon, Island Life, various Parish newsletters, Internet news sites, Medina and S W Housing newsletters & Ventnor carnival green float

Adopt–A-Garden in your community

We would suggest that before any more Adopt-A-Garden schemes are started that those interested read our report on our pilot scheme.

Our report will be published in June 2009 and will include details on how to set up a scheme along with all the forms and guidelines for those taking part.

Details of grant funding that could be available will also be provided.

The Footprint Trust will be in a position to offer guidance on how to set up a scheme based on our experience of running this project and our other community-based endeavours.

If your organisation might be interested in launching the scheme in your community than please email us (ray@footprint-trust.co.uk) or write to us (address at bottom of page).

Footprint Trust ~ The Riverside Centre ~ The Quay ~ Newport ~ Isle of Wight ~ PO30 2QR