Policy Work in NI

Presentation on behalf of Social Farms & Gardens to the House of Lords Select Horticultural Committee of our Benchmark Standard for Community Gardens and Allotments in NI.

Co-design and promotion of the Benchmark Standard for Community Growing Provision in Northern Ireland which has been adopted to date in 2 council areas and where we are helping councils to achieve it. 

Co-production of the Belfast Garden Gathering report, written with the participation of over 60 community Gardeners in Belfast.  

Co-Design of the Reclaim the Commons Election Manifesto for the GE2024.

Co-authoring the collaborative Belfast Sustainable Food Framework and Action Plan. 

Working in partnership with Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Community Foundation Northern Ireland, the Conservation Volunteers and Developing Healthy Communities to deliver the Acorn Farm project, which will be the flagship for regenerative community growing in NI.  

Co-Facilitating the Composting In The Community Network, a UK-wide forum promoting best practice, working with Garden Organic and regional and local organisations.

Meeting with local and national politicians to advocate for the sector. 

Facilitating the development of the Seed It Union, a cross-border network of community Seed Savers, Seed Libraries and Seed Shares, working with Gaia Foundation, the CCA and Libraries NI. 

Leading on strategic cross-border work with Community Gardens Ireland, including delivering a CFI project strengthening links between the two regions. 

Facilitation of local networks of community growers, for example see this short video from members of Reclaim the Commons. 

Facilitation of the Policy Subgroup of Reclaim the Commons, which has to date responded to over 10 Government consultations on behalf of the Grassroots Community Growing network. 

Take the time to read this short presentation on the current strategic context in NI for Community Growing.