The Idea: Drove Road Community Garden
A group of local people have set up a Community Interest Company (CIC) – Drove Road Community Garden – with the ambition of turning two acres of this land into a Community Market Garden. With support from Bevendean Farm (who lease the land from Brighton & Hove City Council) and guidance from us here at Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, they’re exploring how this idea could take root.
Their hopes are to:
- Grow good, healthy food locally – for local people.
- Care for the land using regenerative, wildlife-friendly farming.
- Work hand-in-hand with other local food-growing projects.
- Create opportunities for people of all ages to volunteer and learn new skills.
- Share knowledge, training and inspiration around gardening and food growing.
Their aim: Drove Road Community Garden CIC helps the East Brighton community grow healthy food together, while caring for the land through natural, wildlife-friendly farming.
Still at the Seedling Stage
Nothing is set in stone yet – the site comes with challenges, from chalky soil and strong winds to its location within the South Downs National Park. That means any project has to be careful, thoughtful, and above all shaped by local people.
The team are clear: this will only work if it’s something the community genuinely wants and feels part of.
Have Your Say
That’s why they’re inviting local residents to come along, hear the ideas, share views, and help shape what happens next.
📅 Saturday 27th September
- 10:00 – On-site visit at the garden space, meet at the end of Warren Avenue
- 11:00 – Arrive at Woodingdean Community Centre for a cuppa, a chat, and a closer look at the ideas
- 12:00 – Co-design and consultation workshop to explore possibilities
- 13:00 Free lunch to share together
It’s a chance to ask questions, raise concerns, share ideas, or simply find out more. We would particularly love to hear from anyone who might want to get stuck in with a spade and help volunteer.
How to Stay Connected
Whether you’re curious, cautious, enthusiastic or keen to roll your sleeves up, your voice matters. The team would love to hear from you:
📧 drcg-cic@outlook.com
A new community market garden idea is taking root in Woodingdean, and it needs your voice to thrive. Join us at the Drove Road Community Garden launch to have your say and get involved.
We always get excited when new ideas for community gardens start to take shape and right now there’s a chance for something special near Drove Road in Woodingdean.
You might know the spot, it is a field bordered by a tarmacked footpath running up from the Bexhill Road/Falmer Road junction towards Race Hill, on the north side of Woodingdean.
This project is still just a seed and it will only grow into something amazing if the whole community helps decide what it should become. Now there’s a new possibility on the table and local people are being invited to help decide its future.
