Page 23 - ALG Issue 2 2015
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Wolverton Road Allotments’ Orchard
Our site had an ‘awkward spot’ - an old orchard which had become overgrown with brambles, nettles and the middle was a dumping ground. There was no easy fix; it had to be cleared then wood-chipped - a lengthy process if ever there was. I had time and with permission from the local council got to work. My plan was to get
it sorted, spend as little as possible and make this not only a community resource, but also a wildlife habitat.
To cut a long story short, with a small team of avid helpers it took 18 months and the orchard now has large cable reel tables, picnic benches and a variety of chairs. Woodchip covers the ground and keeps most of the weeds at bay. There are two large (16ft wide) stumperies of old decaying wood – a haven for bugs and birds (which help offset the overgrown habitat that was removed).
Pallet and water butt planters are on the orchard, filled with bee-friendly plants
including eryngium, artichokes and many flowers, as well as two planters made from an old four-poster (a real raised ‘bed’). A large shed called ‘The Front Room’ with
a shutter that opens onto a bird feeding area is also present. We also have a ‘Four Candles’ woodshed, a tea shed and two small sheds for pots and a wood-store (for scrap wood). There’s also a permanent compost area which acts as a safe haven for small mammals and a small sanctuary for frogs & toads called James Pond.
Two large bug hotels are at either end, each one made from stacked pallets (named Bugingham Palace and Wormwood Grubs).
There was no cost at all to our landlord or the local town council and we held a MacMillan tea event and raised over £700; so by digging in, we found a way of giving back.
Karen Parker, Wolverton Road Allotments
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