Case Study: Buying Land
Whistlewood Common, Derbyshire
Introduction
A group in Melbourne, Derbyshire have launched a community share offer to buy 10 acres of former
market garden land, for food production and associated uses. The project’s aim is to create a
productive landscape where every plant, shrub and tree is edible or otherwise useful to the local
community. The group decided to form an Industrial and Provident Society for the benefit of the
Community, in order to administer and conduct the share issue.
History of the Land
Before the enclosures of 1791 the land was part of Melbourne Common, which granted grazing and
other rights to local people. During most of the 20th Century – until 1991 - the land was a market
garden, producing not just vegetables but also trees and fruit. The effects of the global food industry
on local food growing eventually saw the garden go into decline.
The shares scheme, prompted by a renewed interest in local food production, intends to give the
land a new lease of life.
Plans for the Land
The Whistlewood Common project will:
• Plant orchards and forest gardens and showcase fruit -growing systems
• Establish a cider apple orchard
• Encourage planting of local fruit varieties, such as the “Newton Wonder” apple
• Plant trees suitable for local use, such as willow weaving, hazel poles, fencing, and fire-wood.
• Offer courses in fruit growing, horticulture, woodland crafts and forestry skills
• Offer courses in food preparation and storage (eg making cider, jams, chutneys etc)
• Provide a picturesque venue for local activities from arts to exercise
• Create an outdoor space for local groups, clubs, schools, organisations and individuals to use, while
also encouraging biodiversity and wildlife
www.communitylandadvice.org.uk
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• Establish a “celebration” space for birthdays, christenings, naming ceremonies, weddings and
remembrance
• Provide opportunities for employment for local people
Progress So Far
The Society is backed by the National Forest Company which has offered a grant of over £50,000.
The Board of Directors of the Society have a proven track record in community events, education,
horticulture, forestry, woodland crafts and corporate activities.
The community share issue has a target of raising £50,000 as soon as possible to secure the land.
Shareholder will have membership of the society, may stand as a director, and can influence its
activities, but this is not a speculative or money-making investment and shares will not be tradable.
Pledges in excess of £18,000 of the £50,000 needed have already been made, but the group need to
raise the rest of the investment quickly, in order to secure the land - which is currently for sale on
the open market.
Many communities across the country have raised start-up capital via community share issues,
supported by local businesses, organisations and community members, and this is now a popular
way for people to demonstrate their support for worthwhile projects in their local community.
The share prospectus, application form and business plan are on www.whistlewoodcommon.org
It has proved extremely popular, with the Directors making the decision to extend the share
deadline due to unprecedented demand at local events such as Melbourne Festival and Elvaston
Castle Wood Fair. This was to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to become
shareholders/members.
Further Information
Contact: Sarah Spencer
sarahspencer100@gmail.com
www.whistlewoodcommon.org
For more information about Community Share Offers visit: www.communityshares.org.uk/
www.communitylandadvice.org.uk
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