Waltham Forest Council backs 'Right to Grow' initiative

Waltham Forest Council has officially backed the 'Right to Grow movement', a campaign that empowers communities to cultivate food and flowers on underused public spaces. The council announced its commitment to the initiative over the weekend at the annual Food Growers Network Harvest Fair held at Good Shepherds Studios in Leytonstone.

As part of the plan, the council intends to recruit a 'community growing officer'. This individual will collaborate with local growers to bring the Right to Grow scheme to fruition. The initiative is expected to transform neglected public land into areas for food production, including orchards and edible plants, as well as creating habitats for wildlife.

Benefits for residents and nature

Councillor Sarah Bentley, cabinet member for climate and air quality, stated that the scheme will help address difficulties in accessing nutritious food, exacerbated by the climate crisis. "Through Right to Grow, we’ll work with residents to boost local food resilience while enhancing opportunities for nature connection, mental wellbeing and improving our local neighbourhoods," Councillor Bentley said, as reported by the Waltham Forest Echo.

The pressure group Waltham Forest Right to Grow (WFRTG) has actively campaigned for this initiative for the past 18 months. Their efforts have included public protests and guerilla gardening activities across the borough, involving hundreds of residents.

Pilot period and future models

Details regarding the exact implementation of the scheme are expected to be evaluated following a pilot phase, according to the Waltham Forest Echo. The approach is likely to draw inspiration from similar models in other areas. For instance, Southwark Council operates a system where resident groups can apply for legal rights to use unused land. A working group, often led by a community food growing officer, then negotiates the terms with the council, with funding subsequently being granted.

A spokesperson for WFRTG expressed optimism about the potential of the Right to Grow initiative, viewing it as a possible starting point for a broader food strategy in Waltham Forest. They highlighted opportunities for collaboration with schools, changes to council procurement practices, subsidised training, and better utilisation of existing resources. The group also sees the initiative as a way to build community confidence in addressing larger societal issues.