Frustrated by the lack of local allotments in his area, keen gardener and full-time carer, Michael Parker decided to campaign for a local community facility under the banner ‘Rooting 4 Andover’. Before long, Michael had teamed up with Vicki Cunningham and Maureen Tredwell who would form the founding committee of the group as chair, secretary and treasurer respectively. That was 3 years ago, and on New Year’s Eve 2021, his vision finally became a reality as ground was broken on the Poppy Community Garden on the Augusta estate, north of Andover town centre.

Community engagement runs through everything that is good about this not-for-profit enterprise. Rooting 4 Andover aims to create a vibrant hub that promotes social cohesion and cooperation, whilst supporting knowledge sharing through hands-on learning in areas ranging from permaculture and sustainable food growing to nutrition and energy efficiency.

The facility is being developed on sound foundations. Treasurer Maureen successfully applied for funding from each of the National Lottery Community Grant, Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) and Andover Town Council, and local TVBC councilor Nick Matthews helped to identify and secure a plot of land adjacent to the Augusta Park Community Centre. Timber supplies have been pledged by Andover Trees United, and Apsley Farms in nearby Picket Piece have donated high quality mulch that is a natural by-product of its biodigester. Water is currently taken from large on-site butts, but Test Valley Borough Council have agreed to provide a dedicated tap at the Community Centre, within reach of a long hose.

Registered volunteers from the local community gather at weekends to develop the site. The assigned land extends to nearly 2000 sqm, about 900 sqm of which is the focus of phase 1, a mixture of vegetable plots, a wildlife pond and wildflower bank and cultivated flower beds. The first job was to clear the plot of bramble thickets, the scrub being used to create a wildlife friendly dead hedge. Stones from the clearance now form the superstructure for two bug hotels. Compost bins made of pallets are already filling up with food waste from local residents and horse manure from nearby stables. Broad bean plants are growing in two ‘Hugel’ beds (soil covered mounds of layered logs and turf) and raised beds painted in pretty pastel colours litter the ground, waiting their turn. One is already filled with sprouting onions planted by a visiting group of children. Produce will be made freely available to the volunteers and seasonal surpluses will benefit the community. The substantial wildlife pond is nearly ready for lining and a snake shaped herb bed is taking shape.

There is a big emphasis on outreach. Secretary Vicki Cunningham oversees the Rooting For Andover website ( http://rootingforandover.co.uk ) which not only chronicles progress but includes advice on topics such as composting and how to build a Hugel mound.  ‘We want there to be something for everybody’, says Chair, Michael Parker. The children will shortly return to help make wildflower ‘seed bombs’ and distribute them in the neighbourhood and work is being done with the NHS community to develop two further ‘mini-gardens’ in Andover. The arrival of a shed and large outdoor table will facilitate onsite craft working.

Next year, phase 2 will add a more open orchard area with seating and thereafter collaboration with other groups such as Andover Roundtable is planned to develop the third plot.

Much remains to be done ahead of the planned formal opening on 11 June, but the evident enthusiasm and commitment of the volunteers shows that the scheme is already delivering on its aims.

Visit Rooting 4 Andover's Facebook page here.

Written by Steve Almond, Andover

Steve is Wilder Communications Champion for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.