New community gardening policy to boost health, wellbeing and local pride
16 April 2026
A new community gardening policy is set to enable residents and community groups to start gardening in suitable council-owned open spaces across West Northamptonshire.
The policy will enable individuals and voluntary and community groups to apply to garden appropriate areas of land, such as sections of parks and other open spaces, where this does not affect general public access. The new approach is designed to support physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen community pride, and enhance the local environment.
Community gardening is proven to deliver a wide range of benefits. As well as helping people stay active and supporting mental health, it can reduce social isolation, encourage healthier lifestyles, support wildlife and pollinators, and make public spaces more attractive for everyone. Projects may include food growing, flower planting, or the creation of sensory gardens, all of which can have a positive impact on communities.
Under the approved policy, agreed by West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Cabinet at their meeting this week (15 April), suitable sites will be identified by the Council and made available through a simple application process. Successful applicants will normally be offered a standard five year licence, providing reassurance and stability while ensuring the land can be returned to general open space use if required in the future. Where appropriate, existing community gardeners will also usually be given the opportunity to renew their licence.
“I’m really pleased that Cabinet has approved this policy, which gives communities a clear and positive framework to start making more use of our green spaces.Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at WNC
“Community gardening brings people together, supports physical and mental wellbeing, and helps promote pride in our local areas. This is about empowering residents and community groups to play an active role in shaping the places they live, while creating greener and more welcoming spaces for everyone.”
The policy also supports the Council’s Parks Development Strategy and wider Public Health priorities, including work to help residents live more active and healthier lives such as the ‘Grow Cook Eat’ programme which supports community growing. The Council will work together with partners in the Sustainable Food Network to promote the initiative, particularly among groups at risk of social isolation, food insecurity or poorer health outcomes, and will offer guidance to help community projects succeed safely and sustainably.
As well as delivering health, environmental and social benefits, the policy is also expected to encourage greater local stewardship of public spaces, helping to reduce issues such as littering and fly tipping and lowering maintenance demands in some areas. Further information on how to apply and access guidance will be shared in the coming weeks.