Page 46 - ALG Issue 1 2020

Northern
Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham
The hardest step on a long journey is the first
Gordon Douglas, Saltburn, Marske and New Marske, Woodford Close Allotments, Marske-by-sea, Redcar and Cleveland.
Eighteen months ago, Woodford Close Allotments was like many others in
the northeast – a slightly run down, neglected and unused area, not full and populated by men who got on with their allotments but rarely spoke to each other beyond a quick “morning”. Then one allotmenteer took the first step and began to ‘tidy up’ the place. Another saw his efforts and offered a hand. They realised that they needed a place to put all the old rotten dead wood, plastic and rubbish. So, they began to build a
recycling bay out of old pallets. Others saw and joined in. The parish council worker for the allotments of the area brought a large dose of enthusiasm and practical help. We soon ran out
of pallets and that could have been that. Then, the parish council worker mentioned the efforts to his boss, and she sourced more pallets. So began
an arrangement that has blossomed into a great partnership. The volunteer group provides the labour and the Parish Council provides the materials etc. Whatever any other allotmenteers think of their Parish Council, here in Saltburn, Marske and New Marske,
we are lucky to have a tremendously supportive and forward-looking council.
We soon ran out of pallets and that could have been that
A two to three-year plan was drawn up. This included remedial work on the path, a noticeboard area, creation of a disabled bed, and creation of
new smaller starter plots. A disused frequently flooded area was converted into a mini nature reserve with a
large pond and bird feeding station.
A community orchard, a community seating area, a mini wildflower meadow... the list was almost endless. The plan was taken to the Parish Council. Would they be behind it? Once again, nothing but support!
46 Allotment and Leisure Gardener