The National Trust in South Devon has just agreed a very productive partnership with a group of Wembury residents who were looking for a suitable location to use for a community allotment.
The Wembury Allotment Society approached us earlier this year with the objective of allowing them to convert some land cared for by us into an allotment site consisting of 40 plots to be used by the local community
We are keen to hear from similar community initiatives and jumped at the chance of fertilising our involvement with the Wembury community and worked with group and our tenant farmer to identify a 3 acre site currently being used for arable cropping. The site is part of our New Barton Farm located between Wembury House and playing fields next to Wembury Primary School.
All parties are now working together to secure the necessary permissions to formally establish the site and it is hoped that the creation of the plots can start this winter The 40 allotments will be 150m in size and will include a series of smaller beds and half plots. Plans also incorporate a communal shed and guttering feeding a series of water butts.
We will be turning to the local community to help get involved with the creation of the allotments as work to get the site ready will include hedge laying, tree planning, fencing and creating composting stores..
We will be working with the allotment holders to put into practice water conservation methods and where possible follow the principals of organic gardening.
Once all the details are finalised and the site is up and running, the allotments will be managed by the Wembury Allotment Society and actively supported by us. It is hoped that the allotments will begin producing some of the first produce early next spring. Future developments will include a pond area which will act as a magnet for wildlife.
We believe that there are overwhelming reasons for encouraging this development as it will help provide a sustainable source of healthy food for the community. It will help encourage other local communities to get involved, provide a productive resource for life long learning (forging links with local schools and youth groups) and giving people a greater understanding of where food comes from and how it is grown and also how easily it can be done!
David Ford, National Trust Property Manager said:
'We feel this project is a great way to help develop stronger community links with Wembury. The National Trust has a strong commitment to providing access to its land. Over recent years this has normally been fulfilled through the provision of footpaths and bridleways. However the opportunity which this project creates will help forge much stronger links between people and their environment and is closely aligned to the original vision which the founders of the Trust had when the organisation was created in 1895.'
Tanya Metherell of the Wembury Allotment Association said:
'Wembury Allotment Association is delighted to have been given the opportunity to open a community allotment on National Trust Land. This is a very exciting project which will give the gardeners of Wembury a chance to expand on their passion and grow their own produce. The National Trust has been extremely supportive and we look forward to working with them for the duration of this project and beyond.'
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