Early Beginnings

·The Fairfield Moravian Settlement was founded in 1785 in Droylsden, Manchester, as a self-sufficient community built by the Moravians themselves.

·Alongside houses, shops, and communal facilities, plots of land were set aside for allotments, enabling residents to grow vegetables and fruit.

·These allotments reflected the Moravian ethos of practical living, self-reliance, and shared responsibility.

Growth into a Society

·As Fairfield developed, the allotments became a structured part of community life.

·Families and individuals cultivated their plots, and over time, governance was formalized into what is now the Fairfield Moravian Allotment Society (FMAS).

·FMAS provided rules, oversight, and collective organization, ensuring fair access and maintenance of the allotments.

Challenges and Preservation

·In recent decades, FMAS has faced pressures from land sell-off proposals, sparking campaigns to protect the allotments as a “hidden gem” of Droylsden.

·Local residents and members emphasized their historic and cultural importance, not just as gardens but as part of Fairfield’s Moravian heritage.

·These efforts have helped safeguard the allotments, keeping them at the heart of community life.

Today’s Legacy

·FMAS continues to thrive as a community-led society, blending traditional allotment gardening with modern sustainability practices.

·The allotments remain a living reminder of Fairfield’s 18th-century roots, while serving present-day needs for food growing, biodiversity, and social connection.

In short: The Fairfield Moravian Allotments began in the late 1700s as part of the Moravian Settlement, grew into a formal society, and have survived modern challenges to remain a cherished community resource.