John Taylor tweeted this week about Fuel Allotment Charities, and Poor’s Field Charities, this inspired us to have a closer look at communal areas in Devon in case there is anything that could help with the current Fuel Crisis.
In summary, he wrote how these charities were created in many villages in 1801 when the Enclosures Act transferred a lot of common land in England into private hands. This provision kept small communal areas for locals to collect wood to meet their fuel needs.
Many of these areas have now been sold off for housing and other uses, but some still exist. John suggests a modern use of the land for example, community solar farms instead to help supply energy to local homes, as per the lands original purpose.
We also spotted Devon Association of Local Councils is looking to see which Communities in Devon will be offering a Warm Space for people this winter.
Are you involved in a charity that would help people stay warm this winter? If so, we would like to hear from you.
The communal areas generate a small income which continues to provide tiny amounts of fuel or other poverty relief across Devon however, it’s a drop in the ocean for providing help to those who might need it this winter.
