29 January 2026
Summary: Residents and MTVH staff at Valley Mews in Twickenham have worked to transform an overgrown site blighted by fly tipping into community allotments.
Residents at Valley Mews in Twickenham have worked with MTVH staff and local partners to transform an overgrown site blighted by fly tipping into community allotments. The project has created a safer, more welcoming space which supports local wildlife and will reduce ongoing estate costs.
Work began in March 2025 to reshape the land into a safe allotment area. The team worked to overcome challenges, and in less than a year have given the space back to the community and created a vibrant social hub.
The completed scheme has now been handed over to residents and provides ten individual plots. A noticeboard gives plot-holders a simple way to share updates and advice, helping to build community connections. Wildlife features such as bat and bird boxes and bug hotels support biodiversity, while composting areas encourage sustainable gardening. Measures have been introduced to prevent recurrence of the previous issues.
Delivery was coordinated through MTVH’s Social Value programme, drawing on residents and local partners. SureServe donated and installed bat and bird boxes, Cleanscapes handled heavy green clearance and ground levelling, set out and lined the plots, mulched paths, created wildlife features, and donated community tool storage and provided an external noticeboard.
Residents are now shaping the space. Brian, a Valley Mews leaseholder and experienced allotment holder, is supporting neighbours with planting and visible results from residents’ gardens are expected from October. MTVH will carry out monthly inspections to monitor progress and provide support where needed.
Emma Cross, Estate Contracts Officer at MTVH, said:
“I’m proud of the work our contractors, residents and dedicated MTVH staff achieved. The transformation from an overgrown and disused piece of land, which regularly attracted fly tipping and ASB from non-residents, into an allotment space that can flourish bringing the community together is proof of what we can achieve when we work together.”
Brian Nicholls, a resident who was involved in the project, said:
“A piece of unused, overgrown land has been brought back into use. Through community action with MTVH, ten small plots have been created and all have been taken up by the residents. This is a real benefit for the residents in many ways. A big thank you to everyone involved.”
Another resident involved in the project, John Clarke, said:
“I always had a garden prior to retirement and downsize to Valley Mews, so it will be nice to have my own patch again with the joy of sowing and nurturing plants. Fortunately I have family nearby who are keen to join in, thus making a social hub.”
Below: The site before work started
Below: The site after being cleared out
Below: Progress on the allotments
Below: installing bird boxes
