Digging in at Delaval
Community groups can now grow their own vegetables at the hall
© National Trust
Latest update 26.01.2012 16:37
The team at Seaton Delaval Hall has turned part of the historic Walled Garden into a kitchen garden, creating free allotment plots available for community groups to use.
The Walled Garden, which was originally created for the production of fruit and vegetables, has 14 plots available and more in the pipeline thanks to months of back-breaking work over the winter by the gardening team and volunteers.
Following a successful 'Sign up' day, nine of the plots were allocated to eight community groups who couldn't wait to get growing.
The plots we have created are for community groups rather than individuals as we want to ensure the available space can be utilised by as many people as possible. The local groups who have signed up so far include Sure Start, the Scouts, an adult education resource centre, a support group working with the disadvantaged and those affected by drugs and alcohol abuse, a ladies’ choir, a school for hard to reach youngsters and a first school. It’s been a great first phase of take up.
We are still looking for local groups of any age or ability, who are looking for a healthy challenge and would like to try their hand at growing their own fruit and vegetables. It’s an opportunity for local people of all ages to be outdoors, working together in a lovely setting, having fun and learning new skills.
The allotment plots are approximately 23 feet (7 metres) by 16 feet (5 metres) and are deliberately smaller than a traditional allotment to ensure they are easily manageable.
Our gardeners and volunteers will be on hand to give advice and support to groups who require help so people needn’t worry about having experience. We want to offer people the chance to get involved no matter what age or ability.
The creation of the community allotment plots has been made possible through funding from Gregg’s plc in recognition of Sir Michael Darrington’s long service. For more information or to find out about signing up for an allotment, contact Helen Nisbet on 0191 237 9100