Community Plots Pilot

Expression of Interest

We’re excited to invite expressions of interest for our Community Plots Pilot, a shared experiment in collective growing, care and land stewardship. This pilot encourages a deeper sense of shared ownership of the garden - bringing together a group of growers - to collectively plan, tend and harvest food and medicine over the coming growing season. The pilot is an invitation to learn with the land and with one another, exploring what becomes possible when responsibility, knowledge and abundance are held in common.

This pilot is a seasonal commitment from March-November, focused on collectively growing food and medicine, developing areas of the garden, learning from one another and tending the land as a community.

There is no monetary exchange for participation. Involvement is grounded in a shared time commitment, mutual respect and a collective approach to land care, learning and decision-making. We believe our greatest assets are the curiosity, care and wisdoms we bring into the space.

Please read all the information below carefully before submitting your interest. FAQs can be found below. Still have questions? email garden@earthtenders.co.uk

The open call form can be found here. 

Applications are open from February 1-27.

Key dates

  • Applications close Friday 27 February 

  • Applicants notified of outcome Monday 2 March 

  • In-person meeting(s)*: Friday 6 (3-5pm) or Saturday 7 March (11.30am-1.30pm)

  • Community supported workday(s)*: Friday 20 or Saturday 21 March (times tbc)

*you will be expected to attend only one in-person meeting and workday

What happens after you apply

After applications close, we will review submissions and contact all applicants by Monday 2 March. Selected participants will be asked to complete a poll to decide the date for an in-person induction at Earth Tenders on Friday 6 March or Saturday 7 March.

(Meetings will be held across both days)

The induction will include a site tour, overview of existing crops, review of allocated garden bed spaces and discussions covering: available supplies, site access, tools inventory, health and safety procedures and overview of our community guidelines.

You’ll also:

  • Meet your fellow growers

  • Discuss how you’d like to coordinate as a group (email, WhatsApp, Google Drive, etc.)

  • Discuss ideas for the growing season ahead

Support

Earth Tenders’ lead grower will support the pilot by:

  • Hosting one supported community workday per month, during which they will be on site to offer guidance, growing advice and hands-on assistance

  • Providing general support and responses to queries via email throughout the season

  • Responding to time-sensitive matters via the group WhatsApp, where appropriate

Outside of supported workdays, growers are encouraged to problem-solve collectively and draw on shared knowledge and abilities within the group.

Initial materials for the plots will be provided, including (but not limited to) seeds, compost, pots, seedlings, labels, mulch, stakes, tools and gloves. Please note that these supplies are limited and participants may be asked to reuse, share or source additional materials as the season progresses. 

Plot allocations

We anticipate offering space to between 15-20 participants. We will prioritise:

  • Those without access to an outdoor growing space

  • BPOC applicants

  • Those who have previously been involved with the garden 

As this is a pilot project, we are currently unsure how much interest it will attract. If demand is high, we will explore allocating additional space within the garden where possible. We aim to be inclusive of a wide range of growing experience levels, access needs and capacities to commit for the season.

FAQs

  • What happens if I can’t attend every week?

    This will be decided collectively with your fellow growers. As a group, you’ll agree on expectations and how to support one another when people need flexibility.

  • I work irregular hours or shifts

    The garden is publicly accessible. The groups may choose flexible or rotating schedules that can accomodate everyone involved.

  • What happens if I need to leave partway through the season?

    This will be discussed together as a group to decide the best way forward. You will not be penalised for needing to step back.

  • How accessible is the garden?

    Access is limited in some areas due to woodchipped, narrow pathways. However, there are raised beds and a wheelchair-accessible toilet on site. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss specific access needs or arrangements.

  • How many people will be working on each plot?

     We will know the demand for this pilot once applications close. We anticipate around 4–5 people per plot.

  • How will decisions be made?

    Decisions will be made collectively with your fellow growes - following Earth Tenders’ guidelines for care, respect and shared responsibility.

  • What does “shared ownership” mean in practice?

    This pilot is an experiment. Together, we’ll explore what shared ownership looks like in practice and learn from the experience as the season unfolds.

  • What happens to the community plots after November?

    This is a pilot so we’re not certain yet. We’ll collect feedback informally and formally through the growing season to help shape the future of the plots.

  • Can children be involved?

    Yes. We encourage participants to bring children with them to the garden.

  • Can I bring friends or family to the garden?

    Yes, you’re welcome to bring friends or family with you. However, responsibility for the plot itself is shared collectively among those who have applied and are involved in the pilot.

  • What if I apply but don’t get a place?

    We don’t yet know how much interest this pilot will attract. If there is more demand than space available we will explore opening up additional areas of the garden. If we are still unable to accommodate everyone, we will create a waitlist and consider other ways for greater participation.

  • I can't commit but I want to be involved in the garden

    There will be a monthly community workday and regular programming open to the wider community through the growing season.