At our community allotment, we have always believed that growing food should be something everyone can take part in. Soil under the fingernails, a cup of tea balanced on a compost bag, seedlings standing to attention in neat rows, these small things build confidence, friendships and food security all at once.
Recently, after a really positive conversation with Parkinson’s UK (https://www.parkinsons.org.uk) and the fantastic Ian Rogers, we took a long, honest look at our community poly tunnel.
And we realised something important.
It wasn’t working as well as it could.
The Problem We Couldn’t Ignore
Over time, the poly tunnel floor had become uneven and tricky to navigate. For volunteers with mobility challenges, including those living with Parkinson’s, the space could feel uncertain underfoot. Gardening should feel grounding, not precarious.
Accessibility is not a “nice extra”. It is the difference between watching from the sidelines and getting stuck in.
So we decided to change it.
A Fresh Start for the Whole Space
We are now redesigning the poly tunnel from the ground up, literally.
This includes:
- Levelling and stabilising the flooring to create safe, even access
- Installing accessible raised beds at comfortable working heights
- Creating wider, clearer pathways for wheelchairs and mobility aids
- Planning the layout, so more volunteers can work side by side
Instead of a space that some people could manage, we are building one that welcomes everyone.
Why This Matters
For many people, especially those managing long-term health conditions, gardening offers more than fresh produce.
It provides:
- Gentle, meaningful physical activity
- Routine and purpose
- Social connection
- Improved confidence
We have seen how powerful this can be. A shared harvest often grows friendships alongside tomatoes.
By redesigning the poly tunnel, we are not just improving a structure. We are strengthening inclusion.
Growing for Good 🌿
This redesign also means we can expand our Grow for Good work, increasing the amount of fresh produce we donate to local food support projects, including The Shelf in Diss.
More accessible beds mean:
- More volunteers
- Longer growing seasons
- Greater yields
- More fresh, nutritious food for families who need it
Accessibility and food security go hand in hand. When more people can take part, more good flows outward.
Looking Ahead
We are genuinely excited about this next chapter. The poly tunnel is becoming more than a growing space. It is evolving into a shared, inclusive hub where experience does not matter, mobility does not limit participation, and everyone has a role.
Seeds do not ask who plants them. They simply grow.
And now, our space will allow even more people to do exactly that.
If you would like to volunteer, partner with us, or find out more about our Grow for Good project, please get in touch. We would love to welcome you into the next season of growth.
Grow East Anglia 