Marlborough Community Allotment

With some funding support from North Wessex Downs AONB, Marlborough Climate Pledge launched a Community Allotment project in the autumn of 2008 for those wanting to get started with growing vegetables. The enthusiastic response reflects the national growth in interest, as more people are keen to take control over where their food comes from. According to national flower and veg seed companies, recent sales of vegetable seeds have grown from 40% of overall seed sales to 60%, and in some areas 70%.

A group is now established in Marlborugh working a plot in Elcot Lane Allotments and, over some sociable and hard-working sessions in the autumn, the allotment was ‘dug and divided’ in preparation for the growing season. The allotmenters have sorted tools and a shed; they will buy seed communally and after harvest there will be seed swapping opportunities.

The plan is for different composts to be be made and bought for a range of composting techniques for the wider community to view – we know there is a healthy interest in worms and compost from the interest shown for our ‘Open Compost Gardens’ day a couple of years ago!  The self-supporting group plans to deal with joint admin and support for learning. Email us to join in the group and try some locally grown vegetables.

The photos were taken in Spring 2009