Gorilla Gardening?

There is a field at the back of my house (so called council land). It has laid empty for at least the last 6 years that I've lived here, probably far longer. Absolutely nobody uses it for any activity. The council diligently come and cut the grass about 3 times a year.

I live in a village that has one of, if not the, largest village greens in the country. So if anybody who lives in the village wants to walk their dog or go for a kick about or whatever, they go to the green.

It really tempts me to jump over the fence at the bottom of my garden and start an allotment.
What do you think, bad idea?

I do wonder just how many empty unused parcels of land there are around the country, why don't we put them to good use?!

 

Gorilla Gardening ? - Does David Attenborough know about this ??

a-a

 

Ive tried Guerilla gardening, but it doesn't work really, they council just turf it all out like weeds at the change of the season. I suppose Guerilla gardening is a political statement, and you need your objections to be known, therefore it's probably beneficial to get an army behind you, who believe in what you're doing.

I guess the issues are often the council wants to cut costs and therefore leaves the area in a horrible state - then we have no choice - I'd rather spend my own money making my town look good rather than the state the council leave it in.

 

Apply to the council for an allotment. When they say there is a 15 year waiting list, point out the bit of land in question and remind them of their obligation to provide you with an allotment.

 

Ziggy has hit the nail on the head there!

 

I am part of a team which is trying to bring unused land under cultivation. Link: Grown in Middlesbrough

 

I have actually applied for an allotment and am on the 15 year waiting list. I might just give them a call about it.

I want to call them about the solar pv panels they've fitted to all the council houses in the village...another bug bear of mine

 

http://www.nsalg.org.uk/uploads/article547/Allotments%20-%20The%20Basics.pdf

Hope the above is of some help.

You'll be greatfull of the solar pv being close to you when our antiquated power system starts going off line, at least there will be power in your corner during the day.

 

Is it just Middlesbrough town, or surrounding area too?

The reason I ask is because as I'm sure you know, boro and surrounding area is (or was) going through a massive regeneration program. That means lots of empty council houses in estates that are earmarked for regeneration. Council houses round there mostly have good sized gardens. That means many boarded up houses with what must amount to many acres of land in the form of disused gardens, all within very easy reach of any part of town.

Of course there will be the elf and safety brigade to tell you the houses are earmarked for demolition, but I'm sure it could be argued that if they were really that dangerous, they should have been left as they are for 2 years+.

Incidentally, in answer to the original question, I voted 'No' for two reasons as follows:
1. If it was allowed, less people would do it, because people are driven to push boundaries. No boundaries means no motivation.
2. If we said anyone could do it, the few that still wanted to might come and occupy the parts of my garden I haven't got round to working on yet.

 

Ziggy, is this poll REALLY open for another 8 years plus?

 

I was in despair at the spelling until I saw this and another similar post. I feel better now knowing that some people can spell.

 

Good evening Brodie and welcome to the site. You posted on the introduction thread yet? Let people know you are here.

 

Well looking at the results so far the jury is certainly still out.:D

 

I am still looking around the site and have not seen an introduction thread. I am not clever with computers and am still finding my way.