Oakridge AllotmentsWith the increasing popularity of grow your own produce it is worth a reminder that there is still plenty of space for new allotments at the three Oakridge sites of Oakridge Lynch (adjacent to the Recreation Ground), Far Oakridge and Waterlane. There are currently 29 tenanted, some on a shared basis. A full size allotment is roughly 250 sq yards which may seem daunting at first glance. Why not start with a half allotment to see how you go? The rental payable at the beginning of April each year is £5 for Oakridge Lynch which has access to mains water, and £3 for Far Oakridge and Waterlane, which do not. If you would like to find out more, do contact the Allotments Warden, Alex Davis on 01285 760354, e-mail . Bisley Allotments2008 Allotments Update: MORE FULL SIZED and MINI PLOTS available, plus one allotment holder now keeps chickens, and we have a thriving allotment holders group. GROW YOUR OWN!Why not try a 'mini-plot' if you feel daunted by your first experience of growing ? Allotments are amazing things but sometimes daunting for people unused to growing their own fruit and vegetables. Allotment use in the UK was in decline until relatively few years ago, and Bisley is no exception. People are now more interested in unpolluted food (a Food Agency survey in September 2006 still found high levels of pesticide residues in vegetables and fruit – especially imported vegetables & fruit) and healthier life styles are of special concern to parents of young children exposed to the temptations of junk food. Keeping an allotment is one easy, local, and very cheap way to have both. I have always grown our own fruit & veg, and am enthusiastic about food and food quality. When I was asked to be Allotment Warden in 2003, I agreed, and suggested Bisley Parish Council developed a long-term strategy to revitalise the allotments. £1000 from the District Council Culture and Regeneration Fund supported our initiative. The Bisley allotments are special for some unique qualities – good Cotswold Brash for exceptional parsnip growing, huge skies, a wonderful sense of freedom, fresh air and open space. We halved the sizes of the original unused plots to make an easier standard size for newcomers. We organised two volunteers Working Weekends to clear the whole site of accumulated rubbish. We filled three skips, burned off the weeds and then ploughed and rotovated the whole unused parts of the site. New 3m wide paths in between the allotments ensure the new plots are clearly visible and give a sense of clarity and cleanliness to the site. We installed new water troughs so that all the allotments have easier access to water. From 2004 to 2006 we have now more than doubled the number of allotment growers from 7 to 19. The 'plotters' swap plants and seed, and occasionally arrange shared picnic lunches when helping out one another. We are proud to have young children growing their won fruit and vegetables with their parents. The Bisley Community Composting Scheme (BCCS) is the second stage of the allotment revitalization project. The Stroud District Council Rural Regeneration Scheme supported the capital set up costs with a grant of £1700. The BCCS has just celebrated its first year or operation and has nearly 100 members. If you want an allotment at £10 per standard plot per year it is probably the cheapest, most rewarding hobby on earth!
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Lesley Greene For allotments in Eastcombe, see our directory of services. | |
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2 September 2008 |