Bob Tomlinson of Village Makers says, “Allotment gardens are increasingly under threat from building and infrastructure development, and local authorities are doing little to protect them, or create new sites. That’s why we incorporate allotments into all our developments.”
Clare Coode of Stacks Property Search says, “I’m regularly asked (particularly by downsizers) for a house near shops and facilities, but with a garden large enough to grow some veg and flowers - a hard, sometimes impossible combination. In these cases allotments can be the answer, and buyers find they love the camaraderie and community spirit of an allotment garden rather than compromising on the property just to get a private vegetable patch.”
Louise Ridings of Stacks Property Search says, “Historically there was a feeling that allotments were for the retired, but increasingly we’re finding that young families are getting involved. There’s a huge interest in bee keeping too.
There’s a very positive reaction when house builders include allotments in their developments. We wish more did! Two current examples are The Edge in Lincoln, and Oakley Orchards in Essex.”
At The Wintles, a development by Village Makers in Shropshire, allotments were created within the 12 acres of communal space. Residents embraced the concept of allotment gardening, and took it to a whole new level. Now, in addition to the 40 original allotments, there are established vines, the orchards are cared for and fruit harvested, and residents keep pigs, bees and chickens.
At Village Makers’ new development, Oakley Orchards in rural Essex, there will be an allotment allocated for every new resident that wants one. The landowner and local farmer, Pete Thompson, is a keen conservationist who strives to protect the integrity of the local environment. He says, “Oakley Orchards is adjacent, as the name suggests, to orchards, but we’ve also incorporated four new orchards into the development itself, together with other areas of communal green space including a herb garden and areas of unmown grass to nurture insects and wildlife. We are using innovative methods to manage the farm’s orchards and are providing excellent breeding sites for a wide variety of wildlife.
Bob continues: “An adventure playground and new village hall are also planned as part of the neighbourhood.
In addition to the primary purpose of growing your own food, allotments provide local wildlife with sustainable habitats and corridors. Plot holders can take further steps to support wildlife and maintain a balanced eco-system by reducing the use of chemicals, companion planting, and planting nectar rich flowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. This in turn will reduce pests and diseases.
Allotment gardening is a fantastic place to meet like-minded people and form good friendships, while working in the open-air raises serotonin levels leading to greater happiness and health. The other communal areas are designed to encourage residents to arrange get-togethers and community events. At The Wintles in Shropshire, residents have used similar spaces for an inspired range of events including weddings, Christmas celebrations, summer barbecues, paella parties, and birthdays to name but a few.”
