Community Plots
Hi everyone,
I have just joined the PTA for Finn's school and after coming up with the idea of trying to get a plot over a year ago, I have been told we now have one.
I know most of you probably don't like the plots run by school etc as they can be run down and sometimes the children misbehave. However I am really passionate about getting young people interested in something useful and healthy.
The plot we have is not on my site but the one adjacent and I am hoping to play an active role in the managing of it. That is if we don't get evicted first as it is already overgrown!!!I am a gluten for punishment I know. Anyway I wanted to know if anyone had ever been successful in any commuity grants etc or any kind of funding for equipment or anything that will help get the ball rolling.
I really want this to work well and being a plot holder I hope I can bring a real positive influence so that I can get fellow plotholders on board, as they are not at the moment, which I can understand, as the plot is the only one remotely overgrown in a beautifuly kept site.
Lots of suggestions please! I need to work fast, I really want to see some plants in before it is too late.
Hayley
Hello Hayley
I think one of the best ways forward is to join the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners. From there you will be able to get in touch with people who can advise you about procedures and funding etc
I admire your enthusiasm and wish you the best of luck and hope you can get a few like minded people to work with you
Please keep us informed of your progress but remember officially when working with children you have to be vetted and provide character references etc.
If you go onto groups from the homepage and scroll down to Bolsover Allotment Association and click on ladylavender and send her a private message she will put you on the right track how to apply for funding.
Her name is Sonia Ward she is a good friend of mine and I am certain she will help you all she can
Happy gardening
Lottyman
PS There are approximately 300 in the greenhouse not all in flower I hasten to add
Thanks Lottyman,
H
Well done Hayley this is a great idea as if you ask most kids where fruit & veg comes from the normal answer is tesco's, asda or sainsburys so to get them out understanding how & where to grow it improves their knowledge + the outdoor activity does them good, the only problem will be in the future, if they take to it there will be even more people on the waiting lists for plots.
We are luck, the kids at school have a piece of land at the back of one of the mobile class room there are two raised bed approx 25 feet long, they have a shed , a new potting shed a greenhouse , compost bins and water butts collecting rain from the class rooms.
the kids have competitions every year to see who can grow the most spuds from one plant which they grow in tyres and then they get to eat them (we have a potato day).
We have now got an orchard which about 10 trees which were planted 2 weeks ago.
The kids have a gardening club that runs after school this is when the plot get tended and we have one of the dads that helps out with the watering too.
Also the reception kids helped me and my friend to sow some veg in pots that they are looking after and will get to eat hopefully before they break up for summer :)
I would just dig alittle bit of the new plot and plant salad crops with the rest
plant some pumpkins,courgette as these grow big and cover the surrounding ground with cardboard weight down with bottle filled with water(works like black fabric but gets eaten by the worm)
good luck Tanya
Thanks Tanya there are some good ideas there thanks. Unfotunatley the lady that has organised getting the plot doesn't seem to have any urgency and although I have the key to access the plot, I have not been able to speak to her about any plans, which is frustrating the hell out of me as I like to get on with things and also can see why the other plot holders are not very happy. What I don't want to do is step on her toes and I definatley can't afford to be the sole digger, as I have enough of that to do myself.
If we don't get evicted before we have done anything then I will definatley will be suggesting some of your ideas.
Thanks
Hayley
Good luck with the plot Hayley. I am currently setting up a community allotment in Liverpool which I am dealing with 4 different schools and around 15 residents plots. I have found that the residents are very helpful and have responded well to having kids on the site but you do have to be careful with all the legal side of things such as risk assessments CRB checks etc.
With regards to the funding for equipment I have found that it is easier to let the school source the funding as they can mention the national curriculum and funding bodies are a lot more likely to fund a school rather than an individual.
I had a meeting with the residents on my site to explain the purpose and benefits of allowing children/schools on the site especially in regards to future funding to improve the site.
I wish you all the luck in the world it is a lot of hard work and patience to get it started but is hugely rewarding when you see the level of interest from the kids and the interaction between them and the regular plotholders.
Once again Good Luck