Inverness community group plans green hub and allotments at Knocknagael Farm
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A plan to save former farmland from development and bring it back into community use will be launched tomorrow in Inverness.
Knocknagael Farm, to the south of the city, will be kept in community ownership if members of the public give it the go-ahead at a outdoor event to be held this weekend.
Not-for-profit voluntary group Knocknagael Limited want the wider public to share its views on how the fields should be used, ahead of a funding application to buy the land.
The group’s chairwoman, Maria de la Torre, said: “When the field at Knocknagael Farm, the Scottish Government bull stud farm, was earmarked for new housing in 2014, community groups came together in a campaign to prevent the loss of prime agricultural land to development, and to seek alternative uses for the site.
“With eight Inverness farms already lost to development in 30 years and growing awareness of environmental challenges, many called for the land to be used for local and sustainable food production.”
By early 2015 officials recommended that Knocknagael Farm should be kept in agricultural use.
The group has secured development funding through the Scottish Land Fund for feasibility work, which is being carried out by Community Enterprise and Harrison Stevens Landscape Architects.
If the project is successful, part of the site will become allotments, which will be administrated by the Knocknagael Allotment Association.
Ms de la Torre continued: “The site has potential to offer far more than individual allotments. Early-stage plans also include a community garden, growing area and orchard with outdoor areas to walk and gather. The group hopes that the fields will become a green hub for the city’s increasingly built-up south side and supply quality local organic food to the local area.
“We really need to hear from those that have an interest in the project happening to get in touch.”
Steve Rowan, Knocknagael company secretary, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to develop an innovative project that as well as providing allotments, provides a community hub, an innovative approach to growing food and green space. While we are still putting plans together it is an important phase to be able to move things forward.”
The online survey can be found at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Knocknagael when you can register interest in an allotment. To get a close-up look, visit tomorrow between 11am and 1pm. The site is outdoors, and social distancing will be maintained. To discuss ideas, join an online community event on Tuesday November 10 at 5.30pm. Register at knocknagael.eventbrite.co.uk for details of how to take part.
