THE award-winning Autism Allotments site has now been taken over after the previous operators admitted they were no longer able to run it.
Based on Togo Street, the allotment site was opened in 2023 by Paul and Michael Atwal-Brice.
It received funding from a variety of sources including Barnsley Council and the National Lottery but remained vacant towards the end of last year after the pair acknowledged they were no longer able to to maintain and manage the site.
Following discussions with the duo and Barnsley Council, it was confirmed this week that the space has been transferred to new operators Forge in Nature Forest School CIC who are looking forward to helping the site’s fortunes to blossom.
Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “We are grateful for the opportunities the Autism Allotment has brought to young people in the Dearne, including many with additional needs and learning disabilities.
“I’m pleased we have been able to work with new operators to ensure the site can continue to provide unique and fulfilling experiences for our young people and help the project flourish in the future.”
While the site was vacant, the council’s Dearne Area Team assisted in sharing equipment previously based at the allotments among other community groups in Thurnscoe to ensure local people continued to benefit from this investment in the Dearne.
Assets connected to the former Autism Allotment have been transferred to the new management.
In addition to the allotment project, Forged In Nature has recently been awarded funding from Barnsley Council to deliver further Forest School sessions in Bolton-upon-Dearne and Goldthorpe during February half-term and Easter.
Bosses behind the new venture say they have already received a positive response from the Thurnscoe community, and several previous volunteers had approached them to continue volunteering.
Heather Coultard, chief executive of Forged In Nature, said: “This project represents an exciting opportunity to restore a much-loved space and ensure it continues to support people with SEND through inclusive, meaningful outdoor experiences.
“As someone who has spent years working in outdoor education and as a parent of a neurodiverse child, I’m truly excited to lead a project that places inclusion, wellbeing and community at its heart.
“It is lovely to see people from the local community get behind and support a local project.
“We are pleased to have already been approached by other disability groups who are interested in using the space.
“Supporting children to develop confidence, resilience and skills for life through meaningful outdoor experiences is at the heart of our work and will continue to underpin everything we do at the allotment and beyond.
“Work is also underway to apply for additional funding to enable free sessions to run throughout the summer at the allotment site.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Heather by email at heather@forgedinnature.co.uk.
