Roots Allotments, a trailblazing provider of shared spaces for local food production, has partnered with a pair of local farmers in Garforth to create a growing community for people in Leeds to grow their own food.

The allotments, called ‘Providence Pastures', are set to officially open in spring, providing members with the education, equipment and tools to grow their own food. Roots will provide all the tools, seeds, plants and education required – also making it easier for members to travel to the allotment by foot, bicycle or public transport.

Roots is a proponent of the no-dig technique to build soil health. In addition, growers are supported to produce nutritiously-dense food without the use of chemicals such as synthetic fertiliser or pesticides and herbicides.

Roots will also work with the farmer and their community of members to increase biodiversity on the site, by planting native hedgerows where necessary as well creating insect habitats and re-invigorating pasture to wildflower meadow. It will also plant fruit trees with the produce to be shared with the community.

The community follows similar Roots initiatives in Croydon and Stourbridge, and will be a similar size to its two growing communities in Bath. In total, Roots has 4 allotments across the country so far, helping to meet the increasing demand for allotments and alleviate pressure on council waiting lists.

By partnering with local farmers, Roots is helping them to diversify and generate an additional revenue stream. It comes as latest research by organic box scheme, Riverford, reveals almost half (49%) of UK fruit and veg farmers fear they will go out of business within the next year.

Meanwhile, the number of people waiting for a council allotment has almost doubled in the last 12 years to more than 157,000 people. Waiting times have also seen a significant increase, with waits of up to 15 years in some areas of the country. Leeds has nearly 1,000 people on the waiting lists with an average wait time of three years, according to Greenpeace data.

Ed Morrison, one of the founders of Roots Allotments, said:

"Allotments give local people the platform to grow nutritional, chemical-free fruit and vegetables, at a time when we are so dependent on supermarket produce and international imports. Just as important is the opportunity to get outdoors, be part of a bigger community and to grow alongside nature. Despite the many benefits, access to council allotments – particularly in larger cities, has become near impossible as the cost pressures on councils increase.

"It is great to be able to provide local people with the access to allotments that they so eagerly desire. We have been really encouraged by the initial interest we have had, and we're grateful for the support of fantastic local farmers, in what should be a mutually beneficial relationship for the community and the farmers at a time when UK farmers face considerable pressure financially and from supermarkets. We look forward to sharing more news very soon."

In addition to providing allotment patches, Roots has plans to increase biodiversity by planting an orchard of fruit trees, native hedgerow and coppice, as well as building habitats for insects and wildlife. Across its growing communities, Roots partners with local schools, charities and initiatives to increase education, access to surplus produce and provide opportunities for work.

For more information, visit www.rootsallotments.com.