New operators aim to help community allotment to flourish

A community allotment in Barnsley providing a welcoming space to get in touch with nature has been transferred to new operators, who are looking forward to helping the site’s fortunes to blossom.

Forged In Nature Forest School CIC has recently taken over management of the former Autism Allotment in Thurnscoe, following discussions with Barnsley Council and the previous operators.

The Autism Allotment opened in 2023, offering a safe, supportive outdoor space for children, young people, and adults, including those with additional needs.

The previous operators have acknowledged that they are no longer able to maintain and manage the site, and have been working with the new management team to ensure a smooth transition of its operation.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “We are grateful for the opportunities the Autism Allotment has brought to young people in the Dearne, including many with additional needs and learning disabilities.

“I’m pleased we have been able to work with new operators to ensure the site can continue to provide unique and fulfilling experiences for our young people and help the project flourish in the future.”

Assets connected to the former Autism Allotment, which were funded by Barnsley Council and other sources, including the National Lottery, have been transferred to the new management.

Forged In Nature said the allotment will continue to be used for its original purpose: supporting children, adults and families with SEND and additional learning needs, as well as elected home-educated children. Accessibility, inclusion and wellbeing will remain central to everything that happens on the site.

Forged In Nature has a strong track record in environmental projects in Barnsley, including forest school workshops in Goldthorpe.

In addition to the allotment project, Forged In Nature has recently been awarded funding from Barnsley Council to deliver further Forest School sessions in Bolton Upon Dearne and Goldthorpe during February half term and Easter.

Forged In Nature said they had already received a positive response from the Thurnscoe community, and several previous volunteers had approached them to continue volunteering.

Heather Coultard, chief executive of Forged In Nature, said: “This project represents an exciting opportunity to restore a much-loved space and ensure it continues to support people with SEND through inclusive, meaningful outdoor experiences.

“As someone who has spent years working in outdoor education and as a parent of a neurodiverse child, I’m truly excited to lead a project that places inclusion, wellbeing and community at its heart.

“It is lovely to see people from the local community get behind and support a local project.

“We are pleased to have already been approached by other disability groups who are interested in using the space.

“Supporting children to develop confidence, resilience and skills for life through meaningful outdoor experiences is at the heart of our work and will continue to underpin everything we do at the allotment and beyond.

“Work is also underway to apply for additional funding to enable free sessions to run throughout the summer at the allotment site.”

While the site was vacant, our Barnsley Council Dearne Area Team assisted in sharing equipment previously based at the allotments among other community groups in Thurnscoe to ensure local people continued to benefit from this investment in the Dearne.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Heather by email at heather@forgedinnature.co.uk.