Intergenerational Allotment

Overview - posted June 2012
The Intergenerational Allotment project is funded by the Forestry Commission and Big Lottery Fund. The project was created by the Problem Solving Group in response to the level of anti-social behaviour and disturbances in the area. This group consists of local residents and the Community Safety Partnership. It was thought that for those residents who did not have a back garden, this could provide an opportunity for the residents to work together in a shared community space towards growing fresh, healthy produce and at the same time providing companionship for all participants.  The allotments are also accessed by local primary schools and Duke of Edinburgh Award participants. 

Benefits for the Community
Since the development of the allotments, there has been a decrease in the number of incidents of disturbances and anti-social behaviour within the area. It has also had a positive impact on the wellbeing of members of the community and has helped to break down barriers and build trust and understanding between the generations.

Benefits for the Younger People  
A local volunteer has started a Forest group with young people from the local primary school. It is a 12 week programme that allows the young people to appreciate the forest environment and to teach them how to work with camp fires and to extinguish them safely. The programme also involves games, crafts within the forest and tree planting.  

Benefits for the Older People
The Intergenerational Allotment project has potentially contributed to the improvement of the health and wellbeing of the older participants by increasing access to fresh and healthy food, outdoor activity and a focal point for community engagement.  For example, it has supported one participant with their alcohol substance misuse.  It has given the participants more confidence and new skills that will also help some when applying for jobs in the future. 

This project contributes to the Scottish National Performance Framework (NPF):

Scottish NPF Objectives
The main NPF objective that this project contributes to is:

• Greener supports the sustainable use and enjoyment of Scotland’s natural and built environment. It also underpins much of Scotland’s wealth creation. Focus on the responsibility to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment for future generations. 

These NPF objectives could also apply:

• Safer and Stronger aims to help local communities to flourish and become stronger, safer places to live.

• Smarter will focus on improving literacy, numeracy and attainment and on raising and realising ambition for all.

• Healthier will enable people to live longer and healthier lives

Scottish NPF Outcomes
We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations: Scotland's built and natural environment is a major asset for us to enjoy in life and business. That is why we need to protect and enhance it.

We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others: Being part of a strong community gives us the support we need locally. It minimises crime, antisocial behaviour and their social and economic costs.

We live longer, healthier lives: Securing longer healthier lives for the people of Scotland will always be a top priority for governments and individuals alike. There are significant challenges which can only be addressed by everyone in Scotland working together, pursuing this goal through improving lifestyles and life circumstances, and a shared ownership of an effective NHS.

We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger: Communities and people can only flourish and reach their potential when they are protected and they feel safe.

Email: Geraldine McGivern, Community Safety Officer, South Ayrshire Council

Click here to view other South Ayrshire Projects