In 2020/21 we undertook a major community consultation exercise that informed our
progress towards and through the complexities of a Community Asset Transfer process
under the Community Empowerment Act (2015). The findings were very clear - people
wanted Knocknagael Farm's Smiddy Field to be used for community growing, to benefit
the local environment, to improve health & wellbeing, to provide opportunities for learning
experience for young and old, by growing healthy, nutritious food. ​
The Summary can be accessed by clicking HERE.
​
The Findings by clicking HERE.
And the Full Feasibility Report by clicking HERE.
​​
In February 2025, a community consultation event on the pre-application allotments plans was held and had more than 70 members of the public attending, with a 97% of those who responded to the survey highly supportive and saw it as an opportunity to spend more time outdoors. Comments received confirmed the strong support for the project and proposals:
​
‘Great idea, important to connect with food growing and
nature in an urban environment, as well as increasing
knowledge and skills and reducing food miles ’
‘Excellent proposal. Something a growing city requires’
‘So excited - been waiting for it for so long!’
​
Now that we have ownership of the Field, our challenge is to move from a campaigning group to one that manages the asset, and that we realise the benefits to the community that we have aspired to for so long. As as result we will be surveying our membership (currently numbering 130 in Jan 2026) to gather their views, to tap into their enthusiasm and expertise and to guide us in the next phase of our development.
​
The results of this survey will be posted here.
In the meantime, if you have any views on our ideas or your own thoughts, we'd love to hear them, either by using the 'Contact Us' button or by e-mailing grow@knocknagael.org.uk.
