Regulatory Team support the Growing Zone Project with pro bono legal advice

11th November 2016

Walker Morris get stuck in at the Growing Zone Project

A team at Walker Morris has provided free legal advice as part of its ongoing pro bono programme to the Growing Zone, an allotment garden project based in West Yorkshire. The team drafted waivers and visitor sign in sheets for the Growing Zone, helping the project to deliver its services to the wider community.

The Growing Zone was an idea conceived in 2007 on a sunny afternoon whilst June Perkin, the Chair of the project, was shopping in the White Rose Centre. Whilst thinking about how much happier she would be out in the sunshine in her allotment, she realised how many other people would be happier out in the fresh air learning about the land. With 1 spade, 1 pair of boots and lots of phone calls later the project had begun.

The Allotment Federation donated 1200sq meters of land at the Gibson Lane Kippax site in Leeds and from there the allotment has grown into the truly inspiring project it is today. The aim of the project is to bring together people of all ages and abilities in a safe environment where they are able to learn from each other, build their confidence and be taught about the land, growing vegetables, flowers and fruit whilst being out in the fresh air having fun.

With over 3,000 visitors a year the Growing Zone is a busy project with an active committee of volunteer members who provide help and support to all its visitors. The project offers the opportunity to learn practical life skills as well as woodwork, construction techniques and photography. The project has recently been donated a shed, known as ‘Fred’s Shed’, which will provide a classroom space for learning and a glasshouse that will provide the opportunity to star gaze!

Several Walker Morris employees including Hannah Blood and Gemma Johnson swapped their suits for gardening gear to help the Growing Zone prepare for their annual Halloween party.  They helped to decorate the gardens and tunnels as well as taking part in a variety of games including even volunteering for a stint in the stocks and being pelted with wet sponges.

June from the Growing Zone commented:

“The Growing Zone project started 9 years ago and has developed into space for people from all ages and backgrounds in the community to come and learn and enjoy themselves. We had a fantastic day with the Walker Morris Team who came down to the site to help with our Halloween preparations. They interacted brilliantly with our service users and really got stuck in! They were hands on and spent the whole day helping, crafting and playing games.”

Jeanette Burgess, Partner at Walker Morris added:

“We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to work with the Growing Zone and support the local project as part of our pro bono programme. Being able to meet with the volunteers and see the project first hand we saw the amazing work the Growing Zone undertakes in supporting the community and how it offers a safe learning environment for people of all ages and disabilities. June and her team are truly inspirational”