Page 47 - ALG Issue 1 2020

From a noticeboard to a lorry load
of road surface chippings and lots
in between, the Council enabled the project to move forwards. The recycling bays became full as more and more allotmenteers cleaned up their patch. Suddenly there was a ‘don’t want to let the side down’ attitude. More and more allotmenteers did what they could. From providing plants to cutting grass to providing a huge pond liner. The whole allotment was on a ‘to infinity and beyond’ pathway. A social afternoon to christen the new seating area was
a huge success, with lots of good food and great company – oh, and I sort of
remember a rather special bramble wine.
Then the local community rallied round – we wanted to put up an owl box; the only tree big enough was in
a resident’s garden overlooking the allotments. What would their attitude be? – Overwhelmingly positive and full of pride to be asked! The ponds needed rocks to go around it – a passer-by stops, reads the noticeboard, digs
out their rockery and donates all the stones. One small step, a (now large) group of volunteers, a forward-thinking supportive parish council and a can-
Then the local community rallied round...
do attitude later, and here it is: an allotment to be proud of – voted the best allotment in the area for the first time.
Woodford Close Allotments is now full. We have starter plots for young people with work commitments and young families. We have a small plot for a local school, and a disabled plot. We have a large volunteer group and a great social life. We have a mini nature reserve,
an open-door policy and the local community dropping in to chat. We also have great plans for the future and lots more to bring to the area.
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 47