Page 20 - ALG Issue 4 2022

the young plotters club
Hello all!
I have had a brilliant summer and have really enjoyed being at my allotment and seeing all of my seeds sprouting into delicious vegetables!
I am passionate about conservation and it’s really important that we keep some areas on our allotment site for our local wildlife to enjoy. I asked the committee if I could work on our wildlife plot as a summer project as ours was overgrown. I was really happy when they agreed!
I have been lucky to have some help from my dad and other members, including one who works for the Royal Horticultural Society. The plot was very overgrown but I didn’t want to use petrol tools, so I decided to only use hand tools for the project.
We spent hours clearing all the brambles and thick undergrowth from the plot. I got lots of thorns stuck in my hands and scratches on my legs! It was really hard work and sometimes it felt like we weren’t making any progress in the really hot weather.
I decided to write a letter to all of the garden centres near where I live to tell them about my project and ask if they could support me with donating some plants or any items that may help me make the wildlife plot attract lots of different species. I hand delivered all of the letters and was really happy when my local Notcutts Garden Centre called me to offer me some vouchers. When
I went in, I was shocked when they gave me £100 vouchers to help! I really couldn’t believe it! I decided to wait until we were ready to plant before choosing
what to use the vouchers on. I am so lucky they are supporting my project.
It has been hard work, and a lot harder than I thought. I am super pleased that we have eventually cleared it and can now plan our new layout! We have left some brambles so we can trail them around the plot. Brambles are important to nature and wildlife. They are great
for bees and butterflies and offer lots of food and protection to small mammals such as mice and voles.
When I went in,
I was shocked when they gave me £100 vouchers to help!
We found a huge grape vine in the middle of the plot, which is apparently nearly 100 years old! It has lots of fruit on it, so I have been careful to keep it safe. We also uncovered a log pile which is great for bugs and beetles and also an old bug hotel, which I will fix and keep! Whilst I was working, I felt the ground vibrating underneath me. I was really scared but scraped back a small bit
of the ground and found a mining bee colony living there. I covered them back up and cordoned off the area to keep them and us safe!
We still have lots of work to do, but I will be continuing with it in the autumn and will keep you updated on how I am getting on.
Tom Wells
20 Allotment and Leisure Gardener