5 August 26
Community and volunteering

Allotment scheme shares fresh fruit and vegetables with Trafford residents

Allotment holders in Bowdon are sharing their plentiful produce with local people via their local church.

Two people wearing aprons with the Bowdon Allotment and Garden Society logo stand among colourful flowers and vegetable beds at an allotment garden. Behind them are a black garden shed, greenhouses and trees.

The scheme at Vicarage Lane allotments, celebrated in the run-up to National Allotments Week from August 10 to 16, is one of several measures put in place by thoughtful plot holders to help the wider community to benefit from the Council-owned amenity.

Fresh fruit and vegetables such as courgettes, rhubarb, apples, pears, cabbages, squash, potatoes, carrots and runner beans are currently being collected weekly by volunteers at St Luke’s Church for local distribution.

Phil Anderson, Chair of the Bowdon Allotment and Garden Society that runs the site, said: 

“We have 60 plots here and there is a waiting list so for the last few years we’ve really thought about how we can open our allotments up for the enjoyment and benefit of as many people as possible, regardless of whether they have their own plot.
 

“During the summer months our members find themselves with extra fruit and vegetables, so we linked up with the church to share them with people on lower incomes, including elderly residents who particularly enjoy traditional fare such as rhubarb and runner beans.”

Linda Woods, who collects the produce and co-ordinates the gifts for the church, said: 

“The allotment people are so kind and generous. The community really appreciate their donations and it’s lovely to see their smiling faces.”

Gardeners also keep a community plot that anyone can tend to, and grow beautiful flowers that provide a much-needed habitat for bees and other insects. In addition, they host an after-school club, plus regular sessions about where food comes from, for pupils of nearby Bollin Primary School.

Phil continued: 

“Our allotments are a great local educational resource, with reception class pupils visiting to help dig up potato plants and try planting their own seeds.
 

“Children who are a bit older come to an after-school club to grow fruit and vegetables and we’ve had teenagers from Altrincham Grammar School working towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards here too, working the land.”

There are 34 Council-owned allotment sites and one private site in Trafford with approximately 1,500 individual plots in use.

Most sites have voluntary committees that support Trafford Council with management, and there are 13 self-managed sites which lease land from the council. 

The Trafford Allotment Strategy supports all five of the Council’s priorities – the best start for our children and young people, healthy and independent lives for everyone, A thriving economy and homes for all, addressing the climate crisis, culture, sport and heritage for everyone – as well as its Carbon Neutral Action Plan.

Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said: 

“As National Allotment Week is upon us, it’s great to recognise the gardeners of Vicarage Lane who go over and above expectations to make sure their allotments are a true, community resource for everyone.”