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Communal wasteland

anna.lounisIor5UeYXanna.lounisIor5UeYX Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi, I am looking for some advice. There is a wasteland at the back of my garden, my neighbours gardens are backing to that land. It’s overgrown and some people are tipping over their fence. It’s owned by a company that manages council houses for council. I’ve been enquiring abut this plot in council and that company but none seems to be interested or know anything. 

It looks horrible so I thought I could tide it up a bit and plant some hardy bushes and trees that would survive and create a nicer view for everyone. Just to say there is already a large tree and lots of thorne overgrowns. 

My question is, can I get in trouble for doing this? 

Posts

  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    Technically it is not your land so, officially, it would be trespass. Have you tried high enough up the food-chain of the company owning the land? 
    Southampton 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Seems it's not " communal wasteland" but it's actually private property. 
    You have no rights to do what you're suggesting, no matter how well intention-ed. 
    Devon.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    If your council has an 'Environmental Health' Dept., and, as you say, ownership of the land goes with a maintenance contract for council property, an innocent enquiry to your local councillor, mentioning words like 'rats' etc, could reap dividends, especially if it's YOU who're intending to do the work.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Just beware tho’ … although the overgrown thorns and trees may not look very nice they may well already be providing a habitat for small mammals (hedgehogs?) and insects as well as a nesting site for birds … it has been known for a well-intentioned enquiry from a member of the public (and a mention of rats) to trigger a total annihilation of anything and everything that’s growing by those responsible ordering a clear up. 

    Most councils have a Wildlife Officer or similar … that may be your best approach to start with … explaining that the flytipping is harming wildlife and seeing the space as already providing a resource for nature and seeking help in improving it, not hacking and mowing everything down 🤞 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • anna.lounisIor5UeYXanna.lounisIor5UeYX Posts: 3
    Dovefromabove said:
    Just beware tho’ … although the overgrown thorns and trees may not look very nice they may well already be providing a habitat for small mammals (hedgehogs?) and insects as well as a nesting site for birds … it has been known for a well-intentioned enquiry from a member of the public (and a mention of rats) to trigger a total annihilation of anything and everything that’s growing by those responsible ordering a clear up. 

    Most councils have a Wildlife Officer or similar … that may be your best approach to start with … explaining that the flytipping is harming wildlife and seeing the space as already providing a resource for nature and seeking help in improving it, not hacking and mowing everything down 🤞 

    I thought about it, but they cut back everything a few years ago, it just overgrown again so it’s not very mature and I don’t want to do a major clear out, rather a little bit of management and enhancement. 
  • anna.lounisIor5UeYXanna.lounisIor5UeYX Posts: 3
    Thank you all for your advice, it makes sense. Overall land is a space at the back of the houses, there is no road access, just a couple of paths between houses. There are similar layouts in this area (build in 60) and usually used for a playground. So I thought that was an initial intention to be a communal garden/playground, there is no chance for any development as there is no access and not enough space. I was surprised to find out that it’s not council owned and they directed me to that company, which obviously has no interest whatsoever. 

    Speaking to a local councillor is a good shout, I’ll try that. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Sounds like seeking help from a Wildlife Officer is the way to go then. Or even your local Wildlife Trust. It would be interesting to do a proper survey and see exactly what is there at the moment and how the habitat could be enhanced. 



    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    anna.lounisIor5UeYX said:
     there is no chance for any development as there is no access and not enough space. I was surprised to find out that it’s not council owned and they directed me to that company, which obviously has no interest whatsoever. 

    Speaking to a local councillor is a good shout, I’ll try that. 
    You'd be surprised at what they'll squeeze into tiny spaces nowadays  ;)
    However, it's as others have said - you can't just plant stuff on land that you don't own. If it's not council owned, they might just ignore you, although mentioning rats might get a reaction as @nick615 says.
    Have you tried asking the company if they'd mind you planting anything, or do they just not respond at all? Sadly, many of these companies simply don't care, as @fidgetbones has often experienced, and then they go in and devastate any wildlife that might be there.  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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