Neigbourhood Farming in Breda (NL)

Short Summary

The neighbourhood "Ginneken" in Breda (near Tilburg) in the South of the Netherlands is a residential area with quite a lot of green space around (the Mastbosch, the oldest cultivated forest in the country). Ginneken (5000 inhabitants; Breda 200.000 inhabitants) has quite a strong neighbourhood community with lots of activities that are being organised, either planned or spontaneously. One of the residents had taken initiative to start a neighbourhood garden in an unused part of the public space. In the public space they grow vegetables together.

Context

The local community is quite strong, several streets organise yearly street events and the local voluntary committee organises a series of returning events for the residents (e.g. an egg-hunt around Easter, or a new years day event). In addition, some residents take up own initiative to collaborate and/or get together.

Transformational Measures and Activities

The neighbourhood farm is very simple; a resident had bought some square boxes in which you can plant and grow vegetables. The maintenance of the vegetables is done by the residents temselves. If a resident wishes to participate, then you donate 25 euros to get an own gardening box. You harvest your own vegetables when they are ready.

Results

The first harvest has to take place in autumn 2017. Around 10 households have particiapted in the initial idea. No governmental funding or special attention was paid.

Challenges, Opportunities and Transferability

The idea can be very esily transferred to any city, if you have 100m2 of unused public space and some volunteers to launch it. So far, no "vandalism" was reported.