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Growing a sustainable community: ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿'s allotments help students cultivate food, skills and connections

Friday, 10 July, 2026

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ is continuing to grow its commitment to sustainability by providing free allotment and growing spaces where students can learn to cultivate their own food, connect with nature and build a stronger sense of community.

Located within the University's historic walled gardens, the growing spaces include allotments, a greenhouse and community herb gardens that are available for students to use throughout the year. The initiative is free to access and is supported by the University's Grounds team, ensuring that anyone interested in growing their own produce can get involved.

The allotments have been cared for by members of the BSU Gardening Society over the past three years, producing a wide variety of seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs. Recent harvests have included lettuce, potatoes, garlic, carrots, onions, strawberries and rhubarb, with produce often being used by students to create home-cooked meals and baked goods

Alongside the allotments, the University's community herb gardens provide a shared resource for students and staff, who are welcome to pick fresh herbs for cooking while helping to maintain the space for everyone to enjoy.

Reflecting on the importance of the allotment spaces, Grounds Manager Penny Snowden said:

“It was great to see the gardening gang meet up regularly on the allotment for the sessions. They were a very sustainable enterprise, also selling small pot plants they produced, they organised sessions through a what's app group and would post photos of the dishes they had made from the produce.  A great use of a little space on campus for some home-grown grub!”  

The growing spaces are about far more than food production. They provide opportunities for students to develop practical gardening skills, spend time outdoors and learn about sustainable food systems in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Whether planting seeds, harvesting vegetables or simply enjoying time in the gardens, participants are encouraged to work together, share knowledge and connect with fellow students. Those new to gardening are supported by experienced members of the Gardening Society as well as the University's Grounds team, making the project accessible and welcoming to everyone.

As an ongoing initiative, the allotments form part of ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿'s wider commitment to sustainability, helping to promote local food growing, biodiversity and environmental awareness while encouraging healthier, more sustainable lifestyles across the University community.

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ Sustainability Manager, Ripley Hill-Nixon, emphasised the importance of projects like this:

“We feel very lucky to be able to provide the space for our community allotments at our beautiful Newton Park Campus walled garden. Growing your own food is a fantastic way to promote health, mindfulness and wellbeing, and it also allows our students to produce delicious sustainable food - as this year's Gardening Society crop has shown!"

We hope people will see the products of the allotments, and be inspired to join in, or to start growing their own crops at home.”

Students interested in getting involved with the growing spaces or the Gardening Society can do so free of charge. No previous gardening experience is needed, and everyone is welcome. To find out more or express an interest in joining, email su-opportunities@bathspa.ac.uk.