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Ever wondered how neglected allotments could become buzzing community hubs? This episode of "Allotment News" unpacks the frustrations of Thornbury residents dealing with poorly maintained allotments amidst high demand and pest problems, and how sharing plots might be a solution. We celebrate the triumph of Matlock, where residents have secured their allotment as an Asset of Community Value, and the Larbert Villagers Allotment Association, who finally have a place to call their gardening home.

Learn about the incredible transformation of a fly-tipping wasteland in Hounslow into thriving allotments and orchards, benefiting local schools and families, and meet young Caleb Anderson, who has found peace through gardening. We'll take you through the increasing popularity of allotment sites in Fenland, preview a fascinating conversation with permaculture guru Elliot Riley on his food forest project in Hastings, and share essential tips from Nottinghamshire police to protect your allotment from summer theft and vandalism. Join us for these stories and more, and don't forget to share your allotment tales with us!

Next Weeks episode we have a guest talking about a food forest with Elliot tune in to find out more.

If you have any open days on your allotment for the public please let me know by getting in touch so I can promote the event for you or have a chat over zoom to promote the event yourself

Help promote this podcast find out more on this episode

NEWS LINKS

Resident slams council's care of allotments in Thornaby

Our work has been vindicated": Judge sides with Derbyshire allotment holders and council in landowner dispute

Allotments on the way for Larbert

Coventry allotments awarded over £18,000 in funding

Council wins battle with developer over future of old Derbyshire allotments site

The fly-tipping wasteland that could tackle the UK’s food price crisis

Allotment sites across Fenland are proving hugely popular but there are vacancies in some villages including Manea

Security advice issued to help prevent allotment crime this summer

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Ever wondered how gardening can transform a community's mental health? This episode brings you the touching story of a new allotment initiative in St Monans, East Neuk, where locals are finding solace and camaraderie through gardening. Plus, you'll be surprised to hear about Idris Elba's latest venture into the garden scene with his new firm, Growing Media. We also unravel the drama surrounding an illegal mini-village on a North London allotment and how a controversial cycle route closure is causing headaches for another community.

The episode shifts gears as we tackle the dark side of allotment life, spotlighting distressing incidents of vandalism and arson in East Sussex and Bury St Edmunds. Hear about Bury St Edmunds Town Council's proactive steps to curb these issues by installing CCTV. We also share listener feedback on the modern amenities available in North Lancashire allotments, painting a vivid picture of the varied experiences across regions. Your insights and experiences are what make this segment so vibrant!

To wrap things up, we dive into the nitty-gritty of peat-free compost with insights from gardening expert Charles Dowding. Discover the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to peat-free options, and get practical advice on managing these changes in your garden. Charles also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book on composting, and we invite you to share your own composting tips and gardening stories. Don’t miss this treasure trove of knowledge—whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, there's something in it for everyone!

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Join the green-thumbed revolution as we unearth the burgeoning passion of Gen Z gardeners and celebrate the community spirit blooming in allotments across the nation. I, your host Reg, start with a story that slipped through the cracks last week, a heartwarming account of Tata Steel graduates herb garden initiative. As we dig deeper, you'll discover how Christchurch Town Council's investment is nurturing local allotments, and you'll be privy to the heartening tale of Ascombe Village Hall Charity's land expansion, a gift from the generous Lake District Estate.

Get ready to cultivate your curiosity with interactive ways to engage with our show, from texting to audio messages, ensuring your voice is as vibrant as your veggies. We'll share updates on Warsop's endangered allotments and Bedworth's victorious community effort for new gates, illustrating the spectrum of challenges and achievements in the allotment world. Plus, explore the inclusive new community garden at St. Mary's and the life-affirming New Beginnings Garden, which offers solace and growth for individuals in recovery. And keep your ears perked for next week's compost connoisseur, who'll be sprouting tips for all you soil enthusiasts.

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Embark on a historical journey with me, Reg, as we unearth the hidden layers of allotments and their pivotal role in shaping societies from medieval times to the present day. Imagine tending to your own slice of earth, a tradition rooted in the open field system of the Anglo-Saxons. Now, picture the transformation through the centuries – from the enclosure movement to allotments being a wartime bastion of food security. Discover how these humble plots of land blossomed into epicenters of community and sustainability, reflecting the evolution of our relationship with the land and each other.

As you tune into our episode, you'll witness the allotment's revival in the modern era, driven by a collective yearning for organic produce, environmental stewardship, and a touch of self-sufficiency. We explore how these green patches in urban landscapes have grown into vibrant hubs for social engagement, education, and recreation, contributing significantly to urban biodiversity. Plus, we're not only uprooting the past within the UK; we're also casting our gaze to international soils, examining the 'Schrebergarten' in Germany and community gardens in the US, Canada, and Australia. Join the conversation and be inspired by the allotment's global narrative – a legacy of connecting us to the land and to one another.

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An introduction to Allotment News a new weekly podcast for news about allotments in the UK

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