For the past six months I have been photographically documenting ‘Root n Fruit’, which comprises of a community garden and allotment space situated in the heart of Stoke on Trent, in Middleport near Burslem.

Root n Fruit was borne from an idea in 2014 by local businessman Alan Christian, to create a community allotment for people in the local community to share and work together.

Since 2014 the allotment has changed and expanded. It is now run by Robert ‘Bob’ Bennett and Alexandra Littlejohn (of Middleport Matters).

Integrating heavily and successfully in the community, Root n Fruit works with a number of charities in the area, one of the main charity partnerships being ‘Saltbox Restart’, supporting ‘Restarters’ integrating back into society, using their time constructively undertaking valuable and meaningful work.

Most volunteer once or twice a week, working from late spring/early summer, then harvesting their work on the land from the end of summer through autumn and into winter.

I have witnessed and photographically documented the immense hard work and the sheer joy and satisfaction by all individuals, especially with the construction of the new ‘Bee & Flower garden, sowing seeds and planting ready for the summer months ahead.