Reaping the benefits of free mini-allotments

EC1 residents are reaping multiple benefits from free mini-allotments funded by EC1 New Deal for Communities (NDC) and local charity, the St Luke’s Parochial Trust.

Built last April, the mini-allotments are now in full bloom with bountiful crops of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, beans, onions, cabbages, strawberries and peppers.

And the residents who tend these plots are not the only people who are benefiting from the harvest. EC1 NDC’s Young Person’s Environmental Outreach Officer is using the allotments as an educational resource to teach local children about where the food they eat comes from (see photo),

Local resident Ann Course has grown a good crop of herbs, spinach, rocket and lettuce on her allotment, but she says that one of the best aspects of the project is the sense of community.

“It’s nice to meet other people who live locally. There’s a lovely atmosphere, we share cuttings and tips. It’s a really positive experience.”

Another mini-allotment holder, Cliff Thorpe, appreciates having the space to grown his vegetables.

“I live in a flat with no outside space – not even a balcony. So when I heard about this I jumped at the chance.”