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Dorridge & District Gardening Cluband Bentley Heath Allotments |
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Dorridge & District Gardening Cluband Bentley Heath Allotments |
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Allotments have become hugely popular in recent years with more and more people interested in growing their own fruit and veg,
and as a result the image of the traditional allotment is changing. Gone are the days of neat rows of potatoes, beans, and
carrots. Allotments are now more diverse than ever and many will have ponds, bee-hives, chickens, BBQ area, a patch of flowers
for cutting and even fruit trees. The ever increasing variety of fruit and vegetables available mean that you can grow pretty
much anything (within reason). There is no end to what you can do with an allotment these days.
Grow your Own: More and more people are concerned about where their food comes from, how many food miles it has cost and whether
it has been grown organically. Taking on an allotment allows you to control all these aspects. You can decide what you grow,
choose whether you grow organically or not, and massively reduce the food miles of what you put on your plate. You will also be
surprised by the difference in taste from the food that you grow, and that you can buy at the supermarket. Carrots taste like
carrots, potatoes taste more earthy, and sweetcorn (which starts to loose its flavour as soon as it's picked) cooked within an
hour of picking is wonderful.
Saving Money: Allotments cost on average around £30-£50 per year, which is a small sum considering how much food you can grow on
them. With careful planning (and a big freezer) you could easily grow most of the vegetables for an average size family for the
whole year. All you need are a few basic tools (spade, fork, rake and a trowel), and a few packs of seed each year. I should add
a word of caution here - It is very easy to get carried away and spend far more than you either wanted to, or indeed the value of
the food you get out. Expensive tools, raised beds, fruit cages....all cost money. If you have the money and
are enjoying the plot then no problem, however, if your intention is to save money by growing your own food then be careful - with
some careful planning and a bit of time even these items can be had for next to nothing (recycling old pallets, using the
freecycle website and so on.)
Exercise & Stress Relief: If you work indoors in an office, or spend the day driving, then what better way to relax than spending
an hour or so on the allotment each evening. Not only is it great exercise - spend an hour digging and you'll know about it, but
the simple fact that your outside with nature is a great stress buster. And its even better when you consider the cost - compare
the annual cost of an allotment (usually between £30-£50 per year) with the monthly membership cost of joining a Gym. In my opinion
there is no comparison with the level of enjoyment and satisfaction maintaining an allotment provides.
The Allotment Community: Forget the image of old men in sheds. Allotments have become livelier, younger and more diverse than ever.
Most new allotment holders are surprised by the level of friendliness and community spirit that is usually found on an allotment site.
Our site has a wonderful mix of people of all backgrounds and ages. There is a wonderful community spirit, and if you're in need of advice
or help then just ask - most plot holders love to give advice and share their experiences with you.
We organise regular gatherings and BBQ's and some impromptu ones too - and these are always a good time to compare each others attempts
at home-brew wine and beer making. Some allotment sites even arrange their own shows, which can get very competitive, but always great fun.
Whatever your reason for getting an allotment, if you have a few hours a week to put in, then you won't regret it. It is a
hugely fun, satisfying and healthy hobby to take on.
(From Allotment Gardener)
The Bentley Heath allotment site is managed by an independent association through the Dorridge & District Gardening Club. Get in touch with the
Allotment Steward for more information (see the Contacts page)
More information is also available
on the Solihull Council website
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main points of conditions / rules