THE first year of an exciting project to transform a dormant piece of public land in Weymouth into a flourishing community asset has been hailed a success.
New life has been breathed into Tumbledown Farm, near Southill, over the past 12 months thanks to a partnership between landowner Weymouth Town Council and Weymouth Area Development Trust.
The community farm is now used for food growing, education and as a place where individuals and groups can come and relax in the great outdoors, in order to benefit vulnerable people, schools, colleges, and members of the public. Previously it had been lying dormant waiting for the right moment and the right team to reawaken its potential.
A public open day last weekend was hailed a success as residents were given guided tours and talks by a range of local experts on topics from farming to history.
Tumbledown will continue to evolve and an ambitious five-year strategy sets out the route map to achieving its original aims.
A spokesman for Weymouth Town Council said: "Weymouth Area Development Trust has brought its knowledge of working within the Weymouth community and extensive knowledge of creating a community approach to local food growing. Despite the challenges of refurbishing buildings and improving the entrance roads, fences, gates and general security, excellent progress has been achieved by the collective drive, skills and knowledge of Chris Wilson (chief executive of the Weymouth Area Development Trust) and our two organisations working together."
The partnership has highlighted the value of widening the participation of other key stakeholders in a new reference group, which subject to full council approval, will reflect the lessons learnt and amplify the key message that partnership working is the winning formula for Tumbledown, now and for future generations.
Chris Wilson, CEO of the Weymouth Area Development Trust (WADT), said: “WADT is a resident led community organisation and we are committed to working in partnership in all our projects. The Tumbledown project has been great. The town council has had the vision of a new way of working to deliver what the community asked for - a truly community-engaged green space that includes people, of all ages and provides that connection with the land.
"We wish the team at the town council all the very best and look forward to being part of the wider reference group and Friends of Tumbledown.”
Councillor Jon Orrell, chairman of the Project Board, said: “Thanks are due to the Weymouth Area Development Trust for helping drive the project forward and inspiring us with different ideas on how to work together, and also for securing a grant and land management ideas.”
Clive Tuck, Tumbledown project manager, said: “The Tumbledown partnership is great example of how two organisations can merge skills and expertise and accelerate progress in a short space of time. The legacy created by the Weymouth Area Development Trust working to support the Tumbledown Project will be the cornerstone of its long-term success.
"The continued involvement of Chris and her team in the reference group will continue to develop a wider partnership model that I hope continues to build the long-term vision that we all hope for.”
For further information regarding the Friends of Tumbledown or how to get involved contact Clive Tuck by emailing clivetuck@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk
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