Coventry City Council has announced plans to open up underused Council owned land across the city, giving residents new opportunities to create community growing spaces.
The programme aims to improve the lives of local people and support nature recovery.
This new approach builds on the successful ‘Coventry Grows’ pilot project, which began in 2024 and has involved more than 58 volunteers. The first community garden is being set up in Heath Road, Stoke with three additional sites being developed in areas deprived of green space, in Hillfields, Foleshill and Tile Hill.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to transform unused spaces into something positive for their communities. Growing food locally or creating nature gardens helps improve health, supports wildlife and brings people together. We’re excited to see this expand across Coventry.”
Under the new policy residents will be able to apply to access disused or underused Council land for planting, growing food, wildlife gardens and other community gardening projects.
Guidance will be provided for groups to help get started, including an online map of available sites, growing advice and other resources to support the sites set up.
The policy and application process is set to be published Spring 2026. The Sustainability Team will oversee delivery, working closely with community groups, volunteers and partner organisations impacted.
To deliver this scheme, the Council is estimated to invest around £100k a year. This will include a full-time Community Growing Coordinator to support residents with any essential site surveys and legal agreements.
Community growing brings a wide range of benefits to the city and its residents, including improved mental and physical wellbeing, more wildlife friendly spaces, opportunities for people to grow their own produce, builds stronger community connections, and creates a welcoming space for locals to enjoy.
Community groups may be asked to contribute a small fee to support with the application process, however the Council will explore ways to reduce or waive fees for low-income groups to make the programme more accessible.
More information on our Coventry Grows pilot programme visit Coventry Grows – Coventry City Council.
If people want to register their interest in applying to access land for growing, they can do so by getting in touch at CommunityGrowing@coventry.gov.uk.