I wanna clean up the land at the back of the house

knithappens

Where i live the houses ( all privately owned) back onto what used to be council allotments, the land is now just a big field, but where our houses back onto the land, there is what was the ally way, but also a big strip of land before you reach the fencing. I want o get neighbors involved in making a community garden. The land is just over grown weeds and grass.

Just wondering if anyone knows apart from obviously trying to get neighbours involved, who i would have to speak to in the council about this, and also are there any grants out there we could apply for as a community to get his work done. Any info no matter how big or small would be really appreciated.

This is just a thought in my head right now, speaking with neighborsu, it is something most of them have wanted to do ,but not had the time, one neighbour started the effort last summer, but it is just such a big job.

I plan on clearing the weeds myself at the back of my house so the kids have a place to play that is not on the street, as the alleyways have security gates the council fitted over 2 years ago, which makes it a safe place to be.

Skint_Catt

I'm afraid I can't think of anything at the moment, but I'd just like to say well done on considering action to make the space better. There aren't enough people like you around who care!

Catt xx

kittiwoz

Here are a few websites that might help:

• Groundwork and
• Groundwork Manchester, Salford and Trafford also
• www.ecoregen.org.uk, a guide to restoring derelict land produced by Groundwork in conjunction with the University of Manchester.

bluesru5

Have you spoken to your local authority? might be the place to start. I don't know anything about doing something like this but would have thought they would be supportive especially if they've already spent money on gates. I have to admit that I wouldn't even know which dept. to speak to, but your local council should have what's usually referred to a "one stop shop" for advice on anything council related.

falc_2

Try seeing if Go London have a sister organisation in Manchester. They co'ordinate volunteers in London to help with projects like this. It's more manpower than money, though. www.csv.org.uk/go They would probably link to other supportive organisations.

Generally to get lots of grants it helps if your project is inclusive and aimed at social integration / multiculturalism etc. I used to work for a government body and the problem was always that they couldn't find enough charitable ventures that supported racial equality to give their money to. It was not well known, but officials used to tell me ruefully that they couldn't even give the money away.

Otherwise maybe the community gardens organisation / allotments association. Can't remember their exact name but you could google them.

knithappens

Thanks everyone, will check out all your suggestions.

nanamags

Check out this BBC website
http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces. They have a leaflet you can download . The Breathing Places campaign is backed by the national lottery. My local library had info and leaflets all about the campaign.

Good luck

Jnelhams

Try pointing out to the landowner this little act of parliament....

Weeds Act 1959, Ragwort Act 2003

http://www.defra.gov.uk/rds/weeds-act.htm