Funding of over £100,000 has been approved by South Cambridgeshire District Council to support the improvement of local allotments.

As part of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Allotment Improvement Grant programme, the scheme will see individual sums of up to £10,000 allocated to 16 different community groups across the region.

Among the organisations that will receive grants are Duxford Parish Council (£10,000), Hope Against Poverty CIC (£9,467), and Histon and Impington Town Charity (£3,600).

According to the local authority, the funding will be targeted towards delivering improvements in three key areas: toilets, pest control services, and water provision, including mains water connections or rainwater harvesting systems.

It will also support the delivery of features such as storage sheds, accessible pathways, and picnic benches.

In a statement published today, the council said that the funding is intended to ‘ensure allotments are inclusive and accessible for all, remain thriving, promote improved physical health and mental wellbeing and strengthen community connections’.

Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities, said: ‘These grants will make a real difference to local communities by improving facilities and creating welcoming spaces that support health, wellbeing, and sustainability.’

The scheme aims to support groups with ‘limited fundraising capacity’ and requires organisations to complete projects by the end of June next year, the council has confirmed.

Cllr Natalie Warren Green, the District's Lead Cabinet Member for Environment, added: ‘By supporting projects like rainwater harvesting, waterless toilets, and accessible pathways, we’re helping communities reduce environmental impact while enjoying the benefits of growing their own food.

‘These initiatives reflect our commitment to tackling climate challenges locally and ensuring everyone can play a part in greener living.’