We can’t tell you how much we’re missing our allotments! It’s now been nearly eighteen months, and with summer in full swing, many of us are finding creative ways to satisfy the allotment itch.
Those lucky enough to have gardens at home are squeezing in a few vegetables wherever they can. Windowsills are packed with tomatoes, chillies and peppers, while runner beans are being encouraged up makeshift arches and fences. For those living in flats, or with gardens already full of sheds, storage and children’s toys, it’s a much bigger challenge.
Of course, none of these substitutes can replace a thriving allotment. Many of us relied heavily on the fresh produce we grew, especially from summer through to autumn, and some of our more experienced growers enjoyed harvests well into winter. But the allotments were always about much more than fruit and vegetables.
They offered a peaceful escape – a place to think, to unwind, or simply to spend a few hours digging, planting and forgetting the pressures of everyday life. They also created a welcoming community where friendships flourished, gardening tips were freely shared, and regular coffee-and-cake gatherings brought people together.
That sense of community is exactly why Wymondham’s Allotment Association has been working so hard to move the new allotment project forward. We’ve been exploring ways to make the best possible use of the site, secure a reliable water supply and create allotments that are practical, attractive and welcoming for everyone.
Our plans include accessible growing spaces to enable more people to enjoy gardening, trial plots for beginners who would like to learn the ropes, and a dedicated wildlife area. Although, to be fair, the previous allotments already provided a wonderful habitat for birds, bees and other wildlife, both on the allotments themselves and in its surrounds.
Fundraising has also been a major focus. Creating a brand-new allotment site, particularly one that requires a borehole and water distribution system, is a significant undertaking. We are delighted that the National Lottery has provided support, alongside several other grants, which will help fund essential infrastructure and bring our vision closer to reality. However, there is still more money to raise before the project can be fully delivered.
Last month, we were also fortunate to welcome a highly experienced team of horticultural experts from the RHS, alongside members of the Browick Orchard team from Greening Wymondham. We were delighted to host Jim Arbury, an orchard specialist; Joe Lofthouse, who manages a large estate which includes England’s biggest kitchen garden; Lenka Cook, well known to many gardening enthusiasts; and Norwich-based Sue Roe, a specialist in herbaceous perennials and conservation horticulture who advises both the RHS and the Woodland Trust.
The group spent time reviewing our plans, sharing valuable advice and discussing ideas for the future. Most encouraging of all was their genuine enthusiasm for the project and their desire to stay involved as it develops. Despite their considerable experience, they told us this is one of the largest allotment-from-scratch projects they have encountered.
That support and encouragement are particularly welcome as we prepare for the next stage of the process. We are aware of the concerns that have been raised by the Planning Department, and the council’s allotment application, due to be submitted in early August, will need to address those issues carefully.
While there is still work ahead, the progress made so far gives us every reason to remain positive. We look forward to keeping everyone updated as the project continues to move forward and, hopefully, bringing allotment gardening back to Wymondham in the not-too-distant future.
