Page 10 - ALG Issue 2 2025

SNIPPETS
For this edition of our
snippets, we thought we’d
bring you some good news
stories – because it’s always
nice to have some positive
updates! From heartwarming
community initiatives to
inspiring breakthroughs in
sustainability, these stories
are here to remind us that
good things are happening
all around us. We hope they
bring a smile to your face
50 NEW ALLOTMENTS
Trees and vegetation have been cleared in Bebington, Wirral, to make way for more
than 50 new allotments next to Dawson Allotments. The land, previously used for
allotments 30 years ago, is being restored as part of Wirral Council’s strategy to create
over 1,000 new plots by 2025. The development includes 40 full-size and 16 half-size
plots, initially offered to those on the waiting list. While some residents welcome the
move, others have raised concerns over wildlife impact. Wirral Council has pledged to
plant new hedging and trees to offset the loss. (Source: Liverpool Echo)
Sustaining Park Road Allotments
Hounslow Council’s cabinet has
council has been seeking to increase
approved a plan to purchase the
allotment provision by renovating plots
Park Road Allotments to ensure their
and enforcing a 'use it or lose it' policy.
continued use. The allotments are vital
Northumberland Estates, which owns
to the local community, with demand
the land, has yet to acknowledge the
rising due to factors such as increased
council's offer. (Source: Brentford News,
interest in sustainable growing. The
February 13, 2025)
Get Involved:
Volunteer with
the National
Allotment Society
Passionate about allotments and
the grow-your-own movement?
Volunteering with the National
Allotment Society (NAS) is a fantastic
way to support the preservation and
promotion of allotments across the
UK.
From assisting at national and
regional shows to becoming a regional
representative, there are plenty of
opportunities to make a
real impact. Volunteers help
answer allotment-related
queries, engage with the
public, and contribute to NAS
events—all while meeting
like-minded individuals, learning
new skills, and enjoying the
experience of being part of a
thriving community.
Whether you’re looking to
help out at an event, share
your gardening expertise,
or take on a governance
role, your contribution
plays a vital role in
ensuring the future
of allotments for
generations to come.
Find out more and
visit our website
today www.thenas.
org.uk/volunteering.
TOD’S PIECE UPPINGHAM –
ALLOTMENTS AVAILABLE
The allotments at Tod’s Piece in Uppingham
have been transformed over the winter
thanks to some hard work, an investment
by the Town Council and the efforts of
members of Tod’s Piece Allotment Society.
Derelict plots have been cleared and are
now ‘Ready to Go’.
The good news is that there are now
several vacant plots available and the
majority of them are half-sized or one-third
size. This means that they can easily be
managed by a single person or a busy
young family. The allotment society is also
constructing a biodiverse wildlife area on
some waste space within the allotments.
Anyone interested in having an allotment
or would like to find out more simply needs
to contact the Town Clerk’s office.
“Allotted” time outdoors for urban gardeners
grows better health and wellbeing
Research by Rhys Furlong from the
vitality, and combat depression. Furlong’s
University of Northampton highlights
research shows that allotments not only
the mental, physical, and social benefits
offer a private retreat but also foster a
of urban allotments, especially
sense of community and help “green up”
for people from lower-income
urban spaces, enhancing wellbeing and
backgrounds. Spending between
personal empowerment for participants.
120 and 300 minutes a week in
Jason Day | 17th February 2025
nature can reduce stress, enhance
10 | Issue 2 2025 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener