Transforming Allotment Management:
A Case Study of St. Ann's Allotments, Nottingham
Steeped in history, St. Ann's Allotments in Nottingham, England, is a captivating Grade II listed heritage site. Its story stretches back to the 16th century, evolving from a recreational area for Nottingham's citizens to a vital source of fresh produce for the local community through its transformation into allotment gardens in the 18th century.
Hedgerow Mapping
In collaboration with the University of Derby
Building on the success at St. Ann’s, Bozmaps partnered with the University of Derby to support Sustainability students in a hedgerow mapping and monitoring initiative.
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Created by Charlie, Dave & Justin
The Challenge:
Prior to partnering with Bozmaps, the allotment team relied on manual methods to manage their extensive land area, plots, and daily tasks. This approach limited their ability to track crucial information such as plot location, water features, and allotment usage effectively.
The Solution:
We developed a user-friendly GIS platform on ArcGIS Online, featuring digital maps for plot and amenity tracking, a streamlined data management system, and integrated field maps that allow staff to conduct surveys and monitor activity on-site. This solution has improved data accessibility, streamlined decision-making, and boosted overall operational efficiency for St. Ann's Allotments.
Result:
The ArcGIS Online GIS platform equips St. Ann's Allotments with: clear digital maps for visualising plots and amenities, a streamlined data management system for accurate allotment information, and integrated field maps empowering staff to conduct surveys and monitor activity on-site – all for efficient and sustainable management.
Discover how Bozmaps transformed a historical site into a modern marvel.
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We provided the team with training on using Esri Mobile Applications, creating layers from scratch at base, and capturing data in the field using their mobile devices. This has enabled the team to efficiently gather data on site features like water taps, trees, and fences, conduct surveys, and manage maintenance tasks. This new approach has improved the allotments' efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in managing their site.
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Location intelligence has revolutionised the way the allotment team manages the site, enabling them to make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, sustainability, and overall site health. From detailed site mapping to predictive analytics, spatial data has transformed the allotment team's ability to plan, track issues, and optimise resources. This data-driven approach is crucial for maintaining the allotments as a thriving community asset.
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To help the allotment team leverage the power of spatial data, Bozmaps provided comprehensive training that included hands-on exercises, tailored workflows, step-by-step guides, and tutorials. This hands-on approach ensured that the team not only understood the theoretical concepts but also gained practical skills in using Esri's ArcGIS Online system to capture and manage data. By empowering the team to become skilled and self-sufficient in data capture, Bozmaps facilitated the adoption of a data-driven approach to allotment management. This training equipped the team with the knowledge and tools to effectively plan, track issues, and optimise resources, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of the allotments.
Outputs & Educational Impact
Students used ArcGIS Online to analyse and visualise their data, creating dashboards and spatial summaries of hedgerow health and trends.
All data was exported and integrated directly into student reports and assessments.
The project culminated in a successful presentation on campus, where students showcased their findings and maps earning praise for their accuracy and professionalism.
Bozmaps Contribution
Bozmaps developed a full ArcGIS Online solution paired with Esri Field Maps.
Segmented Hedgerow Mapping: Students surveyed hedgerows in 10-meter sections using tablets and smartphones.
Mobile Data Collection: Students recorded ecological indicators such as ivy coverage, hedgerow condition, and photo documentation tied to spatial locations.
Custom Tutorials: Bozmaps created step-by-step field guides that walked students through the mobile workflow and helped them work independently in the field.
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