HighlThe Results Are In: Our End-of-Season 2024 Survey

As the growing season came to an end, we invited our members to reflect on their 2024 journey with Roots through our end-of-season survey. Our end-of-season survey provides invaluable insights into what our members have loved most about being part of the Roots community this year.

Highlights from 2024:

• 97% of members agreed that growing has significantly improved their well-being, highlighting the mental and physical benefits of GYO.
• 62.4% of members said being part of the Roots community helped them meet new people, emphasizing the importance of shared spaces for building community.
• Members commented repeatedly about the peacefulness of their patch, the supportive and welcoming community, and the ease of growing with Roots.
• The wealth of crops grown this year spans from squash to sunflowers as we celebrate a successful harvest for many.

97% agreed that growing had improved their well-being.

2024 felt heavy for many of us and we’re so glad that something as simple as an allotment has provided our members with such a positive impact – it’s a testament to the transformative power of spending time in nature and getting your hands dirty!

However, this isn’t just anecdotal; there’s sufficient scientific evidence to support this response from our members. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost mental health, and the act of nurturing plants and watching them grow triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain. Additionally, the soil itself contains a natural bacterium, Mycobacterium vaccae, that can stimulate serotonin production, often referred to as the “happiness hormone.”

Why Our Members Love Roots

Roots members have shared heartfelt reflections on their favourite aspects of being a patch holder. Looking through the responses, three key themes emerged: the space, the community, and the joy of learning and growing.

The Space

Many of our members commented on their allotment being a “peaceful,” “third space” where they can “unwind,” “connect with nature,” and “escape city life.” It’s clear that the patches are bringing a slower pace to life and providing a much-needed outdoor retreat to our members. Here are some of our favourite quotes from members:

• “[I] love having a third space that doesn't involve alcohol, screens, or being indoors.”
• “Roots offers a peaceful escape from daily routines, where I can unwind, cultivate patience, and celebrate the growth of each plant.”
• “I love going to my allotment, it’s a complete sanctuary! It’s all I wanted it to be, somewhere to be outdoors and escape city life as well as grow my own flowers and veg which has been immensely satisfying.”
• “The peace I feel just pottering on my small patch.”
• “It's a peaceful space to escape to when life is intense.”

The People

The sense of community at Roots is a recurring highlight. The “positive energy,” friendly interactions, and opportunities to “share” – whether it’s produce, seeds, or moments of mindfulness – have created a collective sense of belonging. For some members, their patch has been a facilitator in growing stronger connections with their families. Here’s what some of our members said about our community:

• “Sharing!! From sharing gorgeous food at the Ubuntu evening to sharing produce with CropDrop or neighbours, swapping flowers and seeds to sharing sacred space in yoga or sound bath.”
• “Honestly the sense of community. Watching everyone grow in their own way, making new friends and most of all the positive energy from the site in general.”
• “The community aspect. I feel like I've found home.”
• “The community – people are lovely. [I’ve been] bonding with my daughter through growing food.”
• “I love the trust in the community around helping yourself to what you need.”

Growing: Knowledge and Produce

Members were celebrating how Roots makes growing accessible, especially for beginners. The education and support offered, from online resources to on-site staff and tools, have been important resources for successful harvests. Families, too, have found joy in involving children in the process, creating lasting memories and healthier habits. Here are some excerpts of our member’s thoughts:

• “How easy and supportive it is! I have zero experience prior so the online library has been amazing, plus having access to the tools on site and there always being a site manager there makes it so easy.”
• “Learning about no-dig as it makes growing food seem accessible whereas before it felt overwhelming to me as someone with ADHD and Autism. No dig helps me feel like I have an opportunity to be successful.”
• “Growing my cabbages, my father grew them when I was a child but I was never successful in my own garden.”
• “The ease of use. Everything on site is useful.”
• “Been able to grow our own food and the children picking their own food!”

And for one member who couldn’t pinpoint their favourite thing, their response was:

• “Everything – the site is amazing, the encouragement from Dave to give it a go, the opportunities to learn from those around you and give back, the laughter on site, the advice without feeling pressured, the respect for each other… It truly is my happy place of simple pleasures!”

What Members Grew in 2024

2024’s harvest highlights the incredible diversity of what people have been growing. Root vegetables were particularly popular, with potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and beetroot all featuring prominently across patches. Brassicas also proved a favourite, with many members growing broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage. Squash varieties, including pumpkins and courgettes, saw a strong presence too.

In the leafy greens category, spinach, chard, and kale were well-grown among members. Among fruiting plants, tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries were widely grown. Beans, peas, and radishes also played an essential role in members’ patches, offering easy-to-grow options that thrive in smaller spaces. Meanwhile, flowers like sunflowers and dahlias were a popular choice on members' patches.

62.4% of people agreed that being part of the Roots community has helped them meet new people in their area.

For us, this reinforces the importance of creating spaces where connection can thrive. In an age where many people feel isolated or disconnected, fostering a sense of belonging is more important than ever. Our allotments provide opportunities for meaningful interactions with strangers – whether it’s sharing growing tips, swapping seeds, or just catching up over a shared love of growing. These connections create support networks which, in turn, create a community. And community is a cornerstone of our mission at Roots. We want to not only grow a more sustainable food system but also a more connected society.

What Our Members Say

Hearing from our members is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Here’s what some of our members have shared about their experiences:

• “Being a part of the Sugar Loaf community at Roots has changed my life for the better. I started with zero experience of gardening but having the help and support from those at the allotment (especially Dave as the site manager) I've actually grown things, which I never thought possible. The events and workshops have been wonderful, I've loved the yoga in particular, there was no better feeling than doing yoga surrounded by all the wonderful plots and being in nature.”
• “We are really fortunate to be supported by Dave as our site manager at Sugar Loaf. I’ve learnt so much from him - he explains everything so thoroughly and there’s so much encouragement to just give it a go. Nothing is ever too much trouble. He is a positive and proactive voice in the WhatsApp group. His ‘people skills’ / interpersonal skills are excellent both on-site and in the group. I also think communication from other Roots employees is good- everything I have asked about has been responded to in a timely manner and everyone seems really helpful and supportive. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of - thank you to everyone who works so hard behind the scenes to make it the success that it is.”
• “I am stoked with my decision to get an allotment. I am loving my time there, learning new skills. I am safe in the knowledge that my vegetables are organic. I enjoy watching the transformation of seed to produce. My family and friends are happy enjoying the fruits of my labour. Very well done… this is an amazing project/business. Living the dream.”
• “I've been without a garden of my own for 20 years, I love to be outdoors. My plot is my escape from the city from life. Peaceful and beautiful surroundings, learning to grow flowers and veg as well as meeting lots of new people has worked wonders for my mental health. This place is food for the soul.”