Deborah Simmonds recently completed a review of all allotments in the Lancaster District on behalf of LESS and FoodFutures.
Here she reflects on her experiences on her own allotment…
I have had my own half allotment plot here in Lancaster for nearly four years now.
It’s within cycling distance from my home.
I was lucky that it came with a shed for my tools which also doubles up as a covered area if it rains and for rainwater harvesting.
I have four water butts joined in pairs.
I don’t think that I’m particularly green-fingered, I’ve seen far better growers than me, but I absolutely love my allotment.
I love everything about it; from the fresh vegetables and fruit it provides me with (some years I have more success at some things than others) to the moments of quiet when I sit on my bench and listen to the birds or watch the insects buzzing around with a Thermos flask of tea.
I love the changing nature of the jobs needed, the excitement of spring and seed sowing, then watching things grow in the summer.
The delight of harvesting something that I have grown myself and now the autumn and winter jobs of cutting back, mulching, turning my compost, pruning my fruit bushes and trees.
No two visits are the same and time just flies by (when you are having fun!)
I also love talking to other people about allotments in general and have been fortunate to visit most of the 24 sites across the Lancaster District.
I have certainly developed a passion for all the things that they provide.
What amazing places and spaces. We need more of them!
If you have an allotment plot and would like to share your passion, interest, ideas, experience, meet other plot holders and from other sites, then please come along to the first informal Allotment Social!
It’s very much an informal meet up over coffee and lunch and follows on from feedback during the Allotment Review around opportunities to meet other people and connect with other allotment sites.
Its on Saturday November 22 between 11.15am and 1.30pm with lunch included.
It’s free to attend and takes place in The Social Room at the Friends Meeting House, in Lancaster, LA1 1TX.
Please book by November 20 for catering numbers. https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FMWR
