Drigg Licence to Grow

Drigg was one of the first communities in Cumberland to apply for a Licence to Grow, turning an underused Council‑owned yard on Beach Road into a productive, volunteer‑led growing space. The project is delivered by Drigg & Carleton Parish Council and demonstrates how small parcels of land can be repurposed to support local food growing, wellbeing and community connection.

The site has been designed to be inclusive and easy to use. Raised beds, built by HMP Haverigg, sit on a large concrete area, making the space accessible for people with limited mobility. Tools are provided, parking is available and a disabled‑access Portaloo is onsite.

Volunteer‑organised sessions take place on set days, ensuring activities remain supported, safe and community‑led.

The produce grown is shared among volunteers, used at the weekly community hub in the village hall, and distributed to residents across the parish. This ensures the benefits of the garden reach the wider community and helps to strengthen local food resilience.

Drigg’s Licence to Grow site has quickly become a focal point for community activity. Volunteer sessions offer opportunities to learn new skills, share knowledge and enjoy time outdoors. The social aspect is just as important as the growing itself - the site provides a friendly, low‑pressure environment where people can meet neighbours, reduce isolation and feel part of something meaningful.

Supported by local partners and funders

The project has grown thanks to support from a wide range of partners, including:

• Drigg & Carleton Community Fund
• Nuclear Waste Services / LLWR Socio‑Economic Fund
• South Cumberland Community Panel
• ACT Cumbria
• Mid Copeland GDF Community Investment Fund
• Fibrus Hyperfast Broadband, who funded additional planters
• The National Lottery Community Fund
• Graham Ltd, who have provided extensive practical support including: 
  • an ISO container for storage and shelter
  • Heras fencing
  • Two IBC containers for water
  • A wheelchair-accessible picnic bench
  • A serviced portaloo

Once the final planters are delivered, the site will have 32 planters in total, filling the yard to capacity and maximising the growing potential of the space.

This support has enabled the site to expand rapidly, adding new planters, infrastructure and facilities which will help sustain the project for years to come.

As one of the first Licence to Grow sites, Drigg is demonstrating what’s possible when local people are given the opportunity to shape and use land in ways that benefit their community. The project shows how growing food together can build resilience, strengthen local networks and create vibrant, shared spaces, offering a blueprint for other communities across Cumberland.