Shaping Our World: The Bread Boy of Herculaneum Conversations
Community Ownership: The Agnew Lane Story
Join us as Robert Reid shares the history and process behind the Agnew Lane Community Buyout in a talk hosted by Martin Gerrish of Grow Food Dunoon.
Agnew Lane, once a disused plot with an absentee owner in Govanhill, was largely maintained by the surrounding community. In 2011, South Seeds led a community garden development – unexpectedly bulldozed after three years after which any signs of the owner disappeared again. During the pandemic, a new group anonymously cleared dangerous refuse & restored the garden. They’ve since produced harvests for local families, as well as food banks, and are creating a welcoming environment for all, not the least for birds, pollinators, and other companion species we share this planet with.
The conflict has persisted in the background involving false information and lapsed planning permissions. Despite efforts by the owner to remove the gardeners, however, the council has now permanently refused to extend the original planning permission. The Agnew Lane group is now pursuing the process of buying the land with the help of the Scottish Act, ensuring permanent community ownership – distinct from council ownership in that it can no longer be sold to private developers.
This talk highlights the transformative power of a community buyout & the exciting possibilities the Land Reform Act can give. The Agnew Lane project is a dynamic learning space in political possibilities & community power as well as a place to gain knowledge in food growing.
The presentation will be followed by a discussion. Join us to learn more about this inspiring community initiative.
Witness the positive change cultivated through community collaboration.
