Our We Feed The UK exhibition in Walsall fell in May 2024 at Winterley Lane Allotments, honouring the soil’s healing potential, drawing down carbon and sprouting community.
In partnership with Multistory we commissioned photographer Ayesha Jones to document No Diggity Gardens, where Neville Portas and his local community are nurturing soil by growing food then recycling waste.
Over 500 people gathered to celebrate this collaboration and see Ayesha’s work installed on site, printed on plant-based paper and hung amongst seedlings, veg and compost.
Insects, spring rains and soil-covered hands are all leaving their mark on the exhibition as these prints return to earth, embodying the radical relationship that We Feed The UK is weaving between the arts and agroecology.
“Nurturing nature is a central part of how we grow. We need all the players to be present. From the micro-biology and worms to the large birds and of course us humans.”
Neville Portas
Through Neville’s planet-conscious approach, Winterley Lane produces nutrient-dense food with minimal waste, as well as inspiring local community groups. From school children to those from the neighbouring estate, Neville is growing people’s interest in the environment and providing access to real food.
Multistory explain a unique exhibition installation…
“This collaboration celebrates Neville and the regenerative processes he champions, such as composting, growing produce and the no-dig concept. The exhibition also honours those who use Winterley Lane and value what it has to offer. From Radley’s Primary School children, to members of The Motivation Hub and The Transition Hub, the allotment is home to many and offers ways to reconnect with nature. Neville is always keen to share his revolutionary ideas and planet-conscious approach with as many people as possible and, to respect this, we have reused materials found on the allotment to create this exhibition, ensuring minimal waste and reflecting the values of the allotment users.
Multistory is proud to be part of such an engaging, meaningful and
important project“
Through Ayesha’s eyes…
“I have never heard children get so excited about onions before! This was a beautiful project to document. As well as telling the story of caring for our soil, I also wanted to showcase the diverse range of people, plants and structures involved in that process and how No Diggity is nourishing the custodians of the future.”
In Neville’s words…
“We Feed The UK has been a complete delight to be a part of. From my point of view, we were the imposters as we don’t produce large amounts of staples for our community. However, I have come to realise through the project that we symbolise a growing part of our communities that value nutrient-dense food, as well as community connection and respect for the planet.
This project brought us together with others who feel, and act, the same, in whatever field they are in. The spotlight has shone far and wide and it is a joy to see.”
We also commissioned Forward Prize-winning Bohdan Piasecki from the Hot Poets to capture this story in words.
Photos of the exhibition launch by Belle Portas for Multistory