WSA’s Award-Winning Community Plot
(BAF Ted Green Award for Community Initiative)
The Community Plot was set up by the Allotment Committee in 2016, with the aim of making the allotments inclusive for people who need support to grow fruit and veg.
Our focus is on wellbeing and improving mental and physical health. We encourage group members to relax and enjoy the experience, learning about nature and the environment as much as about food growing. One member commented that she feels: “refreshed, calm and happy” on the Community Plot, because she can “forget about the stress while I am here.”
The Community Plot is facilitated by volunteer plot holders, and all tools, materials, and refreshments are provided.
Facilities include:
- A large polytunnel
- A pond
- ‘The Onion’ compost toilet
- A mix of planting spaces, including raised beds, which we are in the process of renewing with a grant from the National Garden Scheme.
Activities
There are currently two regular weekly sessions:
- Gardening on Tuesdays
- Drawing on Fridays
We also host occasional special sessions. So far in 2025, we’ve had:
- Herbs for Wellbeing with renowned herbalist Rasheeqa Ahmad
- A gentle Grief Tending session with artist Yaya
Some highlights:
- 2016 – We started with a group of allotment volunteers, Barnet Time Bank, and Barnet Mencap.
- 2018 – We were featured as one of London’s Top Ten Community Gardens in Jellied Eel magazine.
- 2019 – We consulted on the Growing Connections Project with the Centre for Aging Better and mentored the Older Women’s Co-housing Project in High Barnet.
- 2023 – We took part in the London Festival of Architecture with a guided walk highlighting the fascinating hidden history of Whetstone allotments and the surrounding area. We also hosted a training with environmental artist Becky Lyon, who made a sculpture for the Community Plot.
- 2024 – We were commissioned by Barnet Council to set up and run a new Community Garden at the Freehold Centre in Muswell Hill, and to train new Community Garden Leaders.
Volunteering Opportunities
Come and experience the Community Plot on Tuesday afternoons. You’ll benefit from being outdoors, learning gardening, and taking home produce in season.
To find out more, register with Volunteering Barnet at volunteeringbarnet.co.uk or drop into the Volunteer Drop-in on Wednesdays 2–4pm at the Arts Depot in North Finchley.
You can also contact Les Moore directly for an informal chat: 07957 388033
Read about Michiko’s experience volunteering at the Community Plot here.