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Supporting devolved management in Workington
Since Newlands Lane Allotment Association achieved devolved management status, the committee has been working hard to deliver a number of improvements, not only for plotholders but the local committee, school children and care home residents. However, the Covid pandemic has seriously curtailed these visits and activities. Whilst
the allotment remains open and social distancing is being observed, we have also ensured that the plots of those self- isolating were maintained. We also took the opportunity to mentor another allotment site in Workington.
Feenans Allotments are a long-established site and, following our lead, have taken the devolved management route, using the knowledge and experience gained during our application to the Council. This approach has saved time and effort, and as the Town Council was already familiar with the process and aware of the benefits to all, it proved to be an easier exercise the second time around. Feenans have used the intervening time to develop a five-year plan to improve the site and enhance the surroundings and work with local schools by dedicating a plot for the schools use. The plot will contain raised beds and a greenhouse solely for the children’s usage.
Phase one of the five-year plan has already been delivered, with the planting of 500 hedgerow plants. This will increase biodiversity, provide a wildlife corridor, improve site security with natural deterrents, hawthorns, blackthorns etc. and finally, be aesthetically pleasing. FAS realise they have a long road to travel, but by taking the initiative and adopting the devolved management route they can become masters of their own destiny.
The Newlands Lane committee will continue to support Feenans in all possible ways as we have discovered, in the short pace of time we have self-managed our site, that the number of improvements we have delivered and continue to deliver is amazing.
Mike Barnes, Secretary Newlands Lane Allotments
Ochil from the air
The site was given to our Association for rent in late 2011 by a local landowner. The piece of land was divided into 34 plots – 27 full plots and 7 half plots.
We have improved our site with communal compost bays and two communal sheds for site equipment and various barbeque equipment etc. We had a very successful barbeque in 2019, which was greatly enjoyed by all who attended.
We have a communal orchard at the top of our site which gives everyone a chance to pick apples, pears and plums, and is a very pleasant place to sit and gaze down at our allotment site.
This year has been difficult for everyone, but having an allotment to come to and work on has given our allotment holders a release from the predicament we find ourselves in, and the joy of producing good food for the body and soul is something very special.
Margie Knox, Treasurer Ochil AA
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Allotment and Leisure Gardener 43