Page 29 - ALG Issue 2 2025

"Without a
great team we
would not have
enjoyed our
current success.”
“We also got funding for a defibrillator
which is sited outside the entrance to the
allotments,” Terry explains, “It is there for
our allotment holders, many of whom are
older and have medical conditions, but it is
also available should local residents need it.”
This connection with the community
beyond the allotments is a theme that
comes up repeatedly as Terry talks me
through the achievements of the last four
years.
Realising it was not enough just to build
facilities, the directors reached out to local
charities and organisations to let them
know what was available. Therefore, the
allotments are now used by groups from
West Sussex MIND. The charity pays a
fee for use of the allotments but as the
saying goes, where there’s muck there’s
brass and allotment holders have been
able to dig into twenty-eight tonnes of
manure delivered to the site. At fifty pence
a barrow and with the proceeds going to
MIND, everyone’s a winner. The allotments
also play host to Gateway Gardens, a social
enterprise for young people participating
in the SAND project. The project aims to
provide real work experiences for young
adults with Education Health and Care
COMMUNITY
© Avenue Terry Smith
Plans (EHCPs).
Last year saw the creation of two more
accessible plots comprising eight oak sleeper
raised beds, two sheds, potting facilities
and communal seating area. The plots have
crushed concrete paths with more effective
drainage than solid concrete. Another
accessible plot comprises six raised planters
specifically designed around the needs of
users. Of course, all of this came at a cost,
but HACA CIC was able to access £15000
from Worthing Community Infrastructure
Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Fund.
With plans for a log cabin with
solar power to act as an indoor space
for projects and social gatherings, the
community interest company has proved an
effective model, which with the right people
and partnerships, is still growing.
When I caught up with Terry again in the
new year his enthusiasm had not waned
one bit. In fact, it seems to have been
infectious.
“Since we last spoke, we have
commenced the conversion of two more
125 square metre plots without funding,
using recycled materials and voluntary
labour. Without a great team we would not
have enjoyed our current success.”
Arguably the success of HACA CIC has
been possible in part thanks to its location
and I am left wondering if something like
this would be possible in a rural parish in
Cornwall.
“Worthing Borough Council certainly
takes its moral obligation seriously and
provides us with guidance in areas such as
planning, building regulations.” Terry tells
me. This relationship is another example of
the way in which those running the project
have reached out and garnered support.
As Worthing councillor Vicki Wells puts
it, “HACA is the jewel in the crown of
Worthing's community allotments for their
accessibility and inclusion vision and they
are an exemplar for all. Their dedication
to the wider local community, accessible
inclusion and passion to extend the mental
and health benefits of allotment grown
produce is an inspiration.”
“Worthing Borough Council certainly takes its
moral obligation seriously"
Allotment and Leisure Gardener | Issue 2 2025 | 29