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 more than 70 members of the public attended. A survey of attendees found that 97% of those who responded were 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 surveyed our membership again in early 2026 to gather their views, to tap into their enthusiasm and expertise, and to help guide us in the next phase of our development.
There were 56 responses from 59 members, a response rate of 41%, of whom 41 stated
that they would like to have an allotment available to them in due course. These
respondents furnished us with further information about their preferred size of allotment
and the relative importance of water supply, fencing, on-site parking, communal
composting and a shared tool shed/ store.
A total of 46 respondents stated that they were interested in community growing,
including a large proportion that were also interested in being allocated an allotment.
A smaller, but important number were interested in community growing but did not
wish an allotment.
Finally, we asked for ideas and feedback from members and responses could be grouped
into four themes: Vision & Structure, Community Growing, Offers and Feedback. These are
expanded in the full report.
The full survey report is available here.
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.
