There is something very special about the Bowbrook Allotments in the heart of Shrewsbury.
Three years ago the land now carefully divided into 68 lovingly
tended plots was a council-owned field providing grazing for a handful
of cows.
But one local resident spotted its potential as a focal point for
community life, gathered support from neighbours, and within months the
idea of transforming the plot into allotments became a reality.
Allotment committee member Malcolm Mollart says it was a
back-breaking but rewarding few months, leading to the grand opening in
May 2009. A committee of allotment-holders was formed, and all plot
holders and their families were invited to become members.
Each member is allocated one of 68 “half-size” allotments, where
fruit, vegetables and flowers are grown, just as at traditional
allotments around the county.
But at Bowbrook members and their families are also encouraged to
volunteer to help tend shared green spaces around the allotments;
regular work days are held to get everyone to dig in together; and
everyone is keen to do their bit for the benefit of all.
It is a genuine demonstration of the “all in it together” culture.
Together the members have created a peaceful oasis, where friendships
have blossomed and where advice and cups of tea are freely shared.
The allotment committee’s mission statement sums up the ethos of the
site: “We aim to provide an attractive, friendly and safe environment
for members and their children, to grow and harvest fruit and vegetables
in harmony with the wildlife that surrounds us. We shall endeavour to
develop our green areas into orchards, meadows and rest areas and to
encourage the use of organic practices and the recycling of green
waste.”
Their efforts so far have not gone unheralded. Last year Britain in
Bloom judges awarded the allotments a Level 4 “thriving” award in the
“It’s My Neighbourhood” category and commended the terrific amount of
progress made in such a short time.
It has a long waiting list - more than 40 people are currently hoping
for a space. Said Malcolm: “It is rare for people to give up their
allotments but it can happen. It is a big time commitment - several
hours a week - and some people realise they just can’t keep it up.”
Regular picnics, barbecues and family events are held at the
allotments to reinforce the community ethos at its heart. Last summer a
scarecrow competition drew lots of wonderful entries. The allotments now
has its own website at www.bowbrookallotments.co.uk and produces a
regular newsletter. One plot-holder, Jill, of Plot 45, who joined the
allotments last year, tells the story of her plot’s development on the
site, and pays tribute to her fellow allotment holders thus: “Everyone I
accosted was very helpful and many offered us both advice and plants to
try, and recipes to deal with the excess veg; carrot and orange soup
has become a firm favourite! So a very big thank you; it is a delight to
come to our allotment. I am also impressed by the hard work done by so
many on the surrounding orchards, shared areas and wildlife areas -
their passion shows through.”
Visitors to the plots are struck by the community vibe - children are
especially welcome, with many of them having their own growing patch
within their parents’ or grandparents’ plot.
Says Malcolm: “It is lovely to see the children learning about where
their food comes from and how it grows. The produce tastes fantastic
too.”
Local community groups, including volunteers from Shropshire Master Composters, a local church group and Shropshire
Organic Gardeners, visit the site and a pre-school group, Little
Explorers, visit regularly.
The scheme also has two orchards, a picnic area with barbeque,
meadows, a herb border, gardens planned to attract wildlife and “Gardens
of the Four Seasons”. There’s also a child-friendly willow dome, a
willow tunnel, a turf spiral and a sensory border. A withy bed, hazel
coppice and a birch grove are under development.
The scheme also has “insect hotels”, insect shelters and different types of bird and bat boxes.
NAME OF GARDEN: Bowbrook Allotment Community, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 5BT.
www.bowbrookallotments.co.uk or call Malcolm Mollart, tel: 01743 791743
OPEN DAY: Sunday 17th July. Teas will be served; an interest trail has been created; and there’s a children’s quiz.
Favourites plants/flowers in the garden:
Buddleias have become the feature plant around the site. They form
the basis of borders planted to attract wildlife, especially
butterflies, bees and beneficial insects.
Gardening tip/tips from the owners:
Plan your planting to attract beneficial insects, both predators and pollinators. They will be your garden allies.
