We are the Borough of Richmond Allotment Group [BRAG] – a group formed in September 2014 to liaise with the Council and improve the use of allotments across the Borough. We represent 24 allotment sites with over 2200 individual plot holders.

How BRAG works:

Each allotment site has a BRAG Representative who attends quarterly meetings to contribute on behalf of their site. Meetings discuss common problems, work on producing policies, share ideas and often have guest talks e.g. Actions to help Toads (Frogwatch) and the Asian Hornet Menace (Twickenham and Thames Valley Bee-keepers’ Association). The differing locations and site sizes mean that each allotment site has unique characteristics but all share the BRAG Mission:

BRAG believes in the intrinsic value of allotment gardening as a way of:

  • Growing healthy food with fewer chemicals
  • Providing exercise, fresh air and horticultural education to the wider community.
  • Promoting physical and mental health and well-being.
  • Reducing food bills.
  • Reducing food miles and carbon emissions.
  • Promoting community and social values within and beyond the allotment community.
  • Preserving wildlife and biodiversity
  • Providing access to land for all Borough residents over 18, regardless of income and housing status.
  • BRAG will canvass, represent and defend the majority views and interests of allotment holders in the borough of Richmond both now and into the future.
  • BRAG will act cooperatively with LBRUT to develop and implement the Allotment Strategy; Cultivating the Future.
  • BRAG will maintain an open and creative response to ideas for change that promote better management of allotments.
  • BRAG will promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, best practice and social connections across allotment sites in the Borough.

     

    In our 10  years we have worked closely with the Council, charities and community groups to develop community vegetable gardens (Briar Road and Sheen), share horse manure from Ham stables (Walnut Tree), encourage all Borough plot holders to get better prices in site shops (Manor, Briar and Sheen), take part in an Ecology Survey/Rewilding project related to Beverley Brook (East Sheen), work with the Community ‘Pay Back’ Team (young offenders) to clear overgrown plots (Manor and Hatherop), hold Open Days for the National Garden Scheme to raise funds for charity (Old Palace Lane),  support the launch of the Veg to Fork project at Richmond College (Cavendish), provide samples for the Toxocara study run by University of Surrey (many sites) and supply produce to the Real Junk Food Project (Manor and Cavendish).