Case Study: Regeneration of Communities

Overview: Regeneration of Communities (R.o.C) are a community based, non-profit organisation that aim to educate and inspire people to get back to growing within their community. Based at Saltersgill allotments, you will find Laurissa and other members welcoming volunteers as they work hard to create the perfect allotment experience.

R.o.C formed back in July 2020 (formerly Saltersgill 88) and have been going from strength to strength over the years, as they build upon their volunteer base and social media presence. Laurissa ensures there is something for everyone when visiting, with regular events, community action and volunteer days such as ‘Women’s Wellbeing Wednesdays’. R.o.C have built a strong sense of community within their organisation, working with partners such as Middlesbrough Environment City (MEC), Actes, and Boro Doughnut, as well as the general public.

R.o.C work closely in collaboration with Boro Doughnut CIC on the regeneration of the Edible Forest Gardens at Berwick Hills. Their joint efforts focus on building a sustainable, community-centered space. A regular community garden day takes place every Thursday from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, where volunteers from diverse communities and organizations come together.

The vision of R.o.C is to empower local communities to take ownership of the free facilities available to them, granting access to locally grown food and fruit that is easily accessible. Additionally, R.o.C seeks to use the garden space for mindful activities, such as environmental education and running workshops to promote sustainability and well-being.

Collaborative Initiatives: R.o.C regularly partners with Community Growing Together (a project held at MEC) to enhance efforts on both R.o.C and Sandy Flatt Lane. These collaborations focus on food cultivation, environmental care, and fostering community spirit. In addition, R.o.C has worked with staff from Thirteen Housing to clean and clear bramble from the garden, ensuring it remains an inviting space for the community.

Events and Activities: In 2024, R.o.C organized approximately 52 community events. These include Community Action Days (held twice a month since January 2024), Well-Being Wednesday Sessions for Women (conducted every Wednesday since 17th January 2024), and various workshops and excursions. Some of the key events organized this year are:

  • A trip to Dilston Physics Garden with volunteers.
  • Willow Weaving Sessions.
  • Pruning Tools Maintenance Workshops.
  • Jam Making Sessions.
  • A Beetroot Chutney Demonstration with a community meal.
  • An upcoming Foraging Camping Trip (scheduled in two weeks’ time).

These activities are designed to engage the community, foster skill development, and encourage social interaction in a natural and supportive environment.

Improved Infrastructure: At the inception of the project, R.o.C faced a challenge: the lack of shelter for volunteers. There was no designated space for rest or community meals, which limited the comfort of the volunteers working in the garden. To address this, a summerhouse was built and completed in 2023. The summerhouse accommodates approximately 8 to 10 people and now serves as a vital facility for the community.

With the addition of this structure, R.o.C is able to offer shelter from the elements, host community meals, and provide a space for various activities such as the Seed Sovereignty Course, Willow Weaving Workshops, and mindfulness exercises. Volunteers use the summerhouse as a resting area and social gathering point, and they are encouraged to treat it as a welcoming, homely environment. The summerhouse also contains books on topics like herbal remedies and gardening, providing an additional educational resource for volunteers.

Conclusion: R.o.C’s efforts, alongside their partners, have transformed the allotment spaces, including the Edible Forest Garden, into thriving community spaces. Through consistent volunteer involvement, educational workshops, and community-centered activities, R.o.C is working to foster a culture of environmental stewardship, food sustainability, and social well-being. Their ongoing initiatives demonstrate a commitment to not only regenerating green spaces but also building resilient, empowered communities.