Conflict arises over privately managed allotments due to locked gates and destroyed equipment

When authorities reached the field near Bristol in October 2023, they found two abandoned cars obstructing the entrance without their wheels, frustrating developers’ efforts to work on a portion of greenery in north Somerset. The controversial project at stake was not geared towards residences or industries, but rather focused on establishing vegetable patches.

Roots, a venture that provides privatized allotments for urban residents to cultivate their own produce, was launched in 2021 by Christian Samuel, Ed Morrison, and William Gay, who were dissatisfied with the decades-long waitlist for allotments in Streatham, London. Their initiative saw rapid success, with 20 locations spanning London to Leeds and nearly 5,000 subscribers. Notably, a recent fundraising effort brought in £6 million from investors such as former Tesco CEO Terry Leahy and Wahaca co-founder Mark Selby. Plans for international expansion, starting with a site in Austin, Texas, are also in the works.

The company leases farmland to create plots that are then rented out through subscription services. Monthly fees vary from £9.99 to £49.99 for patches up to 108 square meters. Described by some as the “WeWork for allotments,” Roots offers a unique spin on traditional agriculture by catering to the trend of coworking office spaces, but with a focus on outdoor vitality and growth.

The allure of Roots stems from the substantial demand for allotments, with over 170,000 individuals nationwide awaiting council-issued plots. For many, these spaces represent not just opportunities for farming but also a respite for mental well-being and outdoor engagement. However, not everyone embraces Roots’ model, as evidenced by a burgeoning national opposition led by groups like Roots Allotments Uncovered on Facebook.

Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, a resident near the Bristol site, leveled criticisms at the company, claiming they disregarded local sentiments by altering the landscape and disrupting natural habitats to create allotments. Similar resistance has been observed in other locations, with protests erupting in response to what opponents view as unchecked expansion tactics and environmental disruptions.

Despite facing hurdles like vandalism, legal battles, and skepticism from conservationists like Chris Packham, Roots continues to defend its mission. The company’s unconventional approach to allotments, its commercial pricing model, and its rapid growth have sparked controversies and led to clashes with traditional viewpoints on public land use. Yet, with ambitious expansion plans on the horizon and an ongoing commitment to providing accessible growing spaces, Roots remains determined to redefine the landscape of urban farming.