Roots Allotments sits nestled on the edge of Dronfield, with wonderful views across Derbyshire and the Peak District. As the allotment site began to grow in popularity, it became clear that trees and hedgerows could play an important role in shaping the space and the busy community using it.
Allotment manager Will Russ first approached us after seeing a Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest advert on Instagram. He came to the conversation with ideas already taking shape, sketched out on scraps of paper from his onsite office. Our role was to take that early inspiration and support Will to develop a planting scheme that felt achievable, well designed and suited to how the land was being used.
Heartwood supported Roots Allotments through a direct delivery tree planting scheme, which means we provide the trees, appoint contractors, and manage the work from design through to planting. We also provide funding for ongoing maintenance and replacement during the establishment period, giving the Will confidence that the new trees will be cared for as they grow.
“Working with Heartwood and Iaian, our Woodland Creation Advisor, has been fantastic. They supported us by choosing the right trees for different areas of the field and shared a lot of knowledge and expertise with every visit… we now have a site that would have taken us years, and great expense, to plant up ourselves.”
Will Russ, Allotment Manager, Roots Allotments
Across 1.02 hectares, 3,627 trees have now been planted at Roots Allotments. The scheme includes a resilient native mix of oak, Scots pine, hornbeam, downy birch, holly, rowan, alder and more, alongside carefully placed hedgerows that give the site shape and definition. A new and exciting ‘food forest’ has been created, with orchard species such as quince, walnut, damson, pear and cherry.
“In five years, the food forest will be lined with a wide variety of useful, edible and medicinal plants. Birds, bees’ butterflies and many other beings will also be in abundance, and the soil will be teeming with organic life.”
Will Russ, Allotment Manager, Roots Allotments
The project shows that change does not have to be complicated with the help of a free tree planting grant from Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest. Sometimes it begins with a sketch, a conversation, and the decision to get trees in the ground now, for people to enjoy in years to come.
Project Impact
Biodiversity
A diverse mix of native woodland species, hedgerows and orchard trees creates new habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. The planting strengthens ecological connections across the site and supports everyday biodiversity alongside food growing.
Water & Soil
Hedgerows and tree roots help bind the soil, reduce surface water and improve natural drainage across the sloping land. Over time, this supports healthier soils for growing while reducing erosion and water runoff.
Community & Growing Space
The trees enhance the experience of the site for more than 400 allotment members, offering shelter, shade and seasonal interest. Volunteer involvement in the planting has also helped foster a strong sense of ownership and connection to the land.
Funding & Delivery
The scheme was delivered through a 100% grant-funded direct delivery programme, with Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest providing the trees, contractors, project management, and ongoing maintenance support during establishment.
