De De’s Den C.I.C began with a simple problem, an addiction to growing but with no garden!
I started growing vegetables in summer of 2021, luckily i was close enough to some grass area right next to my house. The next 3 years i spent learning about gardening through numerous trials and tribulations. I was quite successful & had more produce than i could eat!
I'm quite a reserved person, not very talkative, but having my garden led to many positive conversations with people in my estate all saying the same thing: i wish i could do that!
This then led to an idea: surplus land on estates can become something positive for the community. Thus, De De's Den C.I.C was born, named after my children: this inspired me try and bring communites together.
Last year, with support from my local council officer, I was able to start a small pilot growing space on unused estate land in Ashmole Estate. I worked with a neighbour to begin growing and maintaining the area, keeping it tidy, respectful, and community-focused.
That pilot proved three important things:
residents will take part when the opportunity is there
the space can be kept organised and cared for
even a small growing area can improve wellbeing and community pride
Now we’re taking the next step by building 6–8 new raised beds so more local residents and families can join De De’s Den Community Allotments.
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks