Accessibility at Crumpsall and Cheetham Model Allotments

Everyone deserves to have a community space to visit, whether it’s for socialising and meeting like-minded people, or simply having somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We wanted to give community groups the guidance and resources to make their spaces easier to access for the local community.

W’ve been supporting Crumpsall and Cheetham Model Allotments with their goal to make their allotment more accessible for people of all ages and abilities.They devised a plan with Fran, Groundwork’s Project Lead, to create a plot with a clear, sturdy path running through. Fran shared the steps required to bring the plan together:

“The main thing was speaking to the people who’ll be using it, and working out what the access issues were. Materials really make a difference. For example, a surface that works well with wheels and handles wet conditions can improve access, like the permeable small gravel we used.”

Groundwork’s land team got to work laying the foundations, and had the path completed for the group within a week. 

The group are keen on climate action and biodiversity, and have been trying to get as many different people and groups in as possible to come and get involved as well as benefit from interacting with nature.

Ben, Admin Secretary for the allotment, spoke about what they’ve added to the allotment to make it more sustainable:

“We’ve installed bird boxes, and one plot wants to put a pond in as well. We’re going from strength to strength with upcycling, instead of throwing things in skips we see what can be used by other plot holders”

When asked who the new space would benefit, Ben added:

“It makes it easier for plot holders with restricted mobility to be able to access more easily so they don’t have to give up their plots. They can come and use a more accessible area to be able to be with other people and have a good time.”

Ben also talked about how younger groups could make good use of the space:

“It’ll help us bring other groups in, like Cubs, Scouts, Beavers. Show them how to basically be part of something this great, and how they don't have to be secluded at home and stuck on PlayStations, etc.”

When revisiting the space four months later, Ben and the allotment group had been working with the Groundwork team, alongside a wide range of local organisations, to completely transform the new space.

Ben told us about all the amazing work and who helped them to make their dreams a reality:

“We’ve had different groups helping, including scaffolding from R.A.S. Scaffolding, we’ve had paving put in by No Mess No Stress. We’re also upcycling palettes and now have a bench made from recycled plastic. We’ve had so much help from the plot holders and volunteers, we’re so grateful.”

The new paving and eco-friendly seating will make this space all the more accessible, allowing people of all abilities to come and enjoy their time in nature.

Ben also talked about the ongoing collaboration with Fran from Groundwork:

“Fran’s come down, helped us with consultations, looked at where we can place things, reassured us when things don’t go to plan. She’s been amazing throughout the entire process”

Val, the Chair of the allotment committee, spoke about how the space has been used by the community:

“We’ve already had a small group of three people planting and growing, and we’ve got some weaving, knitting and crocheting events coming up in the warmer months. We want people to feel like they can relax in the space and really connect with nature.”