Allotment faces third move in six years as university builds student accommodation

Roots, the University of Sussex’s allotment society, was forced to move only two years ago, following the demolition of its former East Slope site.

Meg Trump, a member of Roots, said: “The original ethos of the university was buildings within a landscape that would be inspiring and nurturing for the students that go there.

"It’s almost like the allotment represents this ethos, but the university is completely going against this now.”

The last site was also demolished so more student accommodation with 1,500 extra bedrooms could be built.

Considerable work has gone into maintaining the current site behind Park Village – the plot is sloped, meaning the ground needed to be levelled to put in the 12 raised beds, seating area and poly-tunnel.

A university spokesperson said: “As part of the approved campus master plan, we are in the early stages of exploratory work for the potential redevelopment of the West Slope of campus, including Park Village.

"If this proposed development receives planning permission and goes ahead, it will not be practical for the allotment to stay where it is.”

Several fruit trees and bushes, tonnes of compost and a shed will all need to be moved.

The spokesperson said there would be no need for the allotment to move for a couple of years, but university representatives were already looking at identifying suitable alternative sites where they would help to establish the new plot.

However, the uncertainty has left Roots members unsure what to plan or plant.

Ms Trump said: “We were just about to put in the fig tree, and we thought, no, there’s no point putting this in the ground because we’re just going to have to get it out again.

"So we’re leaving it in pots, which isn’t brilliant. We won’t do well this summer.”

The society was established to encourage students to learn more about permaculture and growing their own food, and as a way of escaping the stresses of academic life.

Members include students, staff and Brighton residents.

Recycled materials such as wood, bamboo and plastic tubes are used as building materials throughout the plot.

Ms Trump said though there were other places for people to learn how to grow food, Roots was invaluable in getting young people interested and involved.