A Salford community have dug deep to transform an overgrown plot of land into a brand new communal garden and allotment.
Housing association Salix Homes recently helped a dedicated bunch of green-fingered residents on Shipley Avenue, Weaste, establish the area and invest in creating it into a popular spot for the whole community to enjoy.
Green-fingered residents – Mark Mitchell, George Switzer and Andrew Morrissey – volunteered their time to take on the project, which was an area often used for flytipping.
They turned to building specialists Emanuel Whittaker, who had been working in the area on behalf of Salix Homes improving nearby homes, for a bit of help getting the site prepared and ready for planting. The contractor were more than happy to get involved.
Mark Mitchell said: ‘The area had been overgrown and neglected and was becoming a hot spot for fly tipping which made the area look run down.
The new allotment, which adds to the 330,000 plots in the UK, is already growing homegrown vegetables like beetroot, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and the first crop of onions has already come through.
Emanuel Whitaker joiners built two benches and a picnic bench and also got its subcontractor Aspect involved to help create raised beds – which will become an herb garden.
Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “We are very proud to have helped fund such a fantastic community project – which I’m sure will prove popular.
As part of National Allotments Week (8-14 August), The National Allotment Society say allotments are very much in demand and the trend in people waiting to grow their own food is on the rise. However, to meet current demand at least a further 90,000 plots are needed.
