Wednesday 8 July 2009

whitemoor allotments, nottingham


The allotment (or community garden) movement is enjoying a renaissance in England. When we began allotmenting ten years ago, there was no waiting list and a choice of plots. Using organic methods was unusual at that time.

Now almost every allotment society has a waiting list and innovations abound. And the organic movement is making huge strides.

Last week I had the great pleasure of visiting Ros at Whitemoor Allotments in Nottingham to see the community allotment being established by Nottingham Organic Gardeners. Whitemoor Allotments are situated close to the Notingham Ring Road. And like many gardeners in our county, the allotment holders have the pleasure of gardening on sandy soil!

This community garden serves a social function but will also serve as a training and education area for new and experienced allotment holders. A lottery grant was being used imaginatively to improve facilities.

There were many interesting features on the site.
I was intrigued to see quinoa planted. It mimics the fat hen weed and it will be interesting to see if it produces seed. It should reach an impressive six feet in height!
Trials to see the effects of no dig methods had been set up. A large polytunnel was being erected when I visited.

Wildlife features included a multi-storey insect hotel. There are plans for a new pond. I liked the perennial beds being established that will provide cover, nectar sources and seed for wildlife throughout the year if not tidied too early. The site is blessed with thick privet hedges that provide ideal cover for house sparrows.

I can't wait to see the garden develop and hope I'm invited back after I have spoken to the group next week about 'Wildlife on Allotments'!

4 comments:

dinzie said...

Love the idea of the insect hotel...We don't have allotments as such over here ..A few community gardens about but not many ...

D

Rob said...

The insect hotel was just one of the great ideas I saw.And easy to make.
Rob

Lisa said...

Hi, Rob-
Love that insect hotel! We're seeing waiting lists at community gardens even in our (relatively) small town and a huge interest in local food throughout the region.

If we could just encourage more Americans to convert their lawns (hrrmph) into any sort of productive garden, vegetable or wildlife-supporting - hooray.
Lisa

Rob said...

I spoke at Nottingham Organic Gardeners meeting during the week and was delighted to be invited over to look at their allotment again. Thought they would boo me out! Phew!
Rob