Here are some learning points from experience across the Incredible Edible Network
- It is very important to maintain that this is your project. Some people in councils see a great idea and even though their intentions are good and want to and do support it, they can almost end up taking it over and claiming it as the council’s project. Sometimes this can be a positive, but not if you want to maintain it as a community led, community benefit project.
- Also be careful not to end up doing the council’s work for them for free. Councils don’t have much money and some might see an opportunity to get work that they should be doing delivered by someone else for a reduced rate or for free.
- Having said that, this can also be an opportunity, as you might want to do something very similar to what the council want to do, and you are able to deliver it much cheaper. Therefore you might be able to get money from the council for the project or even to pay someone, but make sure you get a Service Level Agreement first.
- Unfortunately there can be a lot of ‘red tape’ and processes that the council have to go through before a decision is made, and so things can take a very long time before you are given the go ahead. Therefore plan well in advance if you want to catch planting/growing seasons etc.
At the end of the day, don’t get too down heartened and give up. Remember, wherever there’s will, there’s a way!
Have you got any learning you’d like to share? If so, let us know…
