The ‘right to grow’ – A modern-day Diggers story from Hull

Date Published: 20th December 2023

Hull City Council’s move to give people the ‘right to grow’ on unused council land has a rebellious spirit that echoes the sentiments of Gerald Winstanley and The Diggers Movement from centuries ago. Winstanley fought for the common man’s right to cultivate and share the land, challenging the established order. Hull is taking a page from their book, letting residents reclaim forgotten spaces for community gardens.

Instead of political upheaval, Hull City Council is cultivating carrots and tomatoes. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about growing a sense of community and connection.

Hull is joining the ranks of towns like Todmorden with their Incredible Edible movement. It’s a grassroots effort where locals plant food in public spaces for everyone to enjoy. Hull City Council’s ‘right to grow’ initiative is like the next-level evolution of that idea. They’re not just allowing it; they’re encouraging us to turn unused land into vibrant, edible landscapes.

So Hull is breaking ground and breaking free, inspired by rebels from the past and the Incredible Edible movement. The ‘right to grow’ isn’t just a policy; it’s a statement that says our city is a canvas, and we, the residents, are the artists, turning forgotten plots into living, breathing works of community art.