The need for the allotment project was identified by the Craghead Allotment Association. Dissatisfied with the condition of their allotment sites and support with improvements, they approached CDT for advice. CDT shared their desire to improve the sites and increase the number of tenantable plots to make available to more people, the opportunity to grow vegetables, and thereby engage in a more active lifestyle.

The project shares the core aim CDT has of improving the quality of life for local residents and hopes to improve the alarming local health statistics (IMD 2004).

CDT held consultation meetings with the allotment tenants in July and August 2008 to discuss the support we could provide. The allotment association decided that CDT had the expertise, the resources and the track record of delivering successful community projects and following a further consultation in January 2009 to clarify details, they voted in favour of CDT managing the allotments.

Derwentside District Council, with whom CDT have a successful history of partnership working, supported the move, the existing condition of the allotments was agreed, and a 'self management agreement' was signed in March 2009.

Immediately a meeting was held, and a committee containing two representatives from each of the five allotment sites was elected. Posters were displayed on every site with suggested priorities for allotment improvements and tenants were invited to comment. At the following committee meeting the representatives fed back views of the tenants, and a list of priorities was established for which CDT agreed to source funding.