[jaydig]

I can't believe that there are families who say they can't afford to eat, and who rely on food banks, and yet there is this wonderful garden going to waste. 

[Yorkie]

Please don't allow this generous offer to get turned into a thread about the ills of society.

[jaydig]

It wasn't intended as a comment on the ills of society, but maybe, with a little help, a few of these families could make very good use of this garden, and benefit both their budgets and their health.  Would there be a local allotment society, perhaps with the help of Social Services, that could find and help suitable families that would like to try growing their own veg?  Just a thought that might help those that need it most.

[Yorkie]

That's not a bad suggestion.  Councils and health bodies have a duty to promote healthy living in their area - and often can access grants to facilitate this.  Perhaps lateral thinking is something to explore 

[bazial]

That's not a bad suggestion.  Councils and health bodies have a duty to promote healthy living in their area - and often can access grants to facilitate this.  Perhaps lateral thinking is something to explore 

Hi
    Why should councils or social services help ,they are stretched for money now ,isn't about time some people did something for them self ,instead of always somebody else doing it for them .

[New shoot]

That's not a bad suggestion.  Councils and health bodies have a duty to promote healthy living in their area - and often can access grants to facilitate this.  Perhaps lateral thinking is something to explore 

Hi
    Why should councils or social services help ,they are stretched for money now ,isn't about time some people did something for them self ,instead of always somebody else doing it for them .

That's a bit harsh imo.

If you are on the breadline, money for gardening equipment and seeds is not going to be high on the list of things to buy.  In addition, if you have no experience of growing anything, taking on a plot can be very daunting.

[New shoot]

Please don't allow this generous offer to get turned into a thread about the ills of society.

As Yorkie has already said, lets not turn this generous offer into something less positive 

[sunshineband]

That's not a bad suggestion.  Councils and health bodies have a duty to promote healthy living in their area - and often can access grants to facilitate this.  Perhaps lateral thinking is something to explore 

This has been very successful in our area. There are three full sized plots on our site which are managed through charities, and utilised by people who otherwise would not have the confidence or material wherewithal to be able to grow their own food.

Tom, maybe you could contact your council and ask if there might be any local groups who could make use of your generous offer?

[m1ckz]

you could spend a few years getting into then lose it   need a sort of lease or something

[m1ckz]

into shape lol sry

[Ema]

What a stunning garden, a shame to see a lawn in there!
 
My allotment is part of a National Trust growing space in an old kitchen garden. There are lots of plots for charity organizations, raised beds for the less abled, large and small plots to suit different people. Perhaps the gardening team at Knightshayes would be able to give you some advice and contacts or even a team of their volunteers might be interested in helping to aid supplying the café etc.

I wish you the best of luck finding someone to transform this space.