General News
Fruit Tree Pruning - 14th January
16th November 2022
16th November 2022
In: General News
Fruit Tree Pruning
14th January 10am - 3pm
The Association in Collaboration with the Wilderness Foundation is organising a Fruit tree pruning session on Saturday 14th January, from 10am to 3pm. Guided by a trained horticulturalist, the session will provide information and practical 'hands on’ pruning apple and pear trees, with information for other fruits (require pruning later in the year) also provided. Refreshments will be available on the day, but please do bring your own packed lunch. This session is free of charge, although we would ask for reasonable donations to the Wilderness Foundation.
14th January 10am - 3pm
The Association in Collaboration with the Wilderness Foundation is organising a Fruit tree pruning session on Saturday 14th January, from 10am to 3pm. Guided by a trained horticulturalist, the session will provide information and practical 'hands on’ pruning apple and pear trees, with information for other fruits (require pruning later in the year) also provided. Refreshments will be available on the day, but please do bring your own packed lunch. This session is free of charge, although we would ask for reasonable donations to the Wilderness Foundation.
Tree Pruning Advice
31st October 2022
In collaboration with our good friends at the Wilderness Foundation, we will be looking to run an activity towards the end of January (exact date to be advised) covering how to prune fruit trees.
If you have always wondered how to do this, or currently prune and are concerned as to whether you have tackled in the right fashion, this activity may just be for you.
This is usually a fee paying event but the decision was taken to request a donation towards the Wilderness Foundation who are hosting this event, which would be warmly appreciated.
Please make Karen, Tony or Carolin from the Wilderness know if you have an interest, and as soon as the date has been fixed we'll get in touch to advise.
31st October 2022
In: General News
In collaboration with our good friends at the Wilderness Foundation, we will be looking to run an activity towards the end of January (exact date to be advised) covering how to prune fruit trees.
If you have always wondered how to do this, or currently prune and are concerned as to whether you have tackled in the right fashion, this activity may just be for you.
This is usually a fee paying event but the decision was taken to request a donation towards the Wilderness Foundation who are hosting this event, which would be warmly appreciated.
Please make Karen, Tony or Carolin from the Wilderness know if you have an interest, and as soon as the date has been fixed we'll get in touch to advise.
Seed Potato Orders
30th October 2022
30th October 2022
In: General News
We will again be placing orders for Seed Potatoes. This year we will be ordering two varieties, Charlotte (a white salad, versatile potato), and Sentanta (red, main crop). The Sentanta have reasonable blight resistance. The cost is £2.90 for a 2.5kg bag of Charlotte, and £3.30 for a 2.5kg bag of Sentanta. Orders can be placed with payment at the trading hut, see Karen or Tony.
Membership Renewal
19th October 2022
A polite reminder that Membership Renewal for the Association is now due (1st October).
We hope plot holders continue to support the Association and will pop into the trading hut to renew their membership. Fee remains unchanged at £3 per annum.
Thank you for your continued support.
19th October 2022
In: General News
A polite reminder that Membership Renewal for the Association is now due (1st October).
We hope plot holders continue to support the Association and will pop into the trading hut to renew their membership. Fee remains unchanged at £3 per annum.
Thank you for your continued support.
Xmas Coffee and Mince Pies - 3rd December
04th September 2022
The Melbourne Park Allotment Association plans to hold its Annual Mince Pie and Coffee Morning on Saturday 3rd December, starting at the earlier time than usual of 10.00 AM at the Trading Hut. The morning is absolutely free to all Association members and provides an early December tonic before the headlong mad dash into Christmas.
There will be a raffle on the morning, and hopefully Tony Holbrook will be again be re producing his secret recipe Mulled Wine. (Please drink responsibly).
04th September 2022
In: General News
The Melbourne Park Allotment Association plans to hold its Annual Mince Pie and Coffee Morning on Saturday 3rd December, starting at the earlier time than usual of 10.00 AM at the Trading Hut. The morning is absolutely free to all Association members and provides an early December tonic before the headlong mad dash into Christmas.
There will be a raffle on the morning, and hopefully Tony Holbrook will be again be re producing his secret recipe Mulled Wine. (Please drink responsibly).
We are also planning to award the trophies and certificates from this years Allotment Competition on the day, together with an update in terms of activities on site. Please do support this event, and catch up with all your allotment colleagues plus the news on site whilst enjoying a warm tipple from Tony's mysterious cauldron of liquid refreshment. (Tea and coffee also available)
Please put this date in your diary and we look forward to seeing everyone for this event.
Hyde Hall Visit
23rd August 2022
23rd August 2022
In: General News
Following the success of last year's Association visit, we re organised another trip this year. Our visit was planned to coincide with the Hyde Hall Annual Flower show, and despite the volume of visitors on the day, together with a large array of show stands and stalls, there was still a pleasant, spacious feeling as you wandered around Hyde Hall.
In addition to the flowers, show stands and craft stalls, there was also a marquee with guest speakers during the day with topics ranging from growing, to demonstrations cooking up the produce you grow. (we have tried the beetroot burgers, and Limoncello raspberries and can vouch for both).
The various gardens were in great shape, despite enduring a long hot spell and no rain, and the probability exists we will organise another trip for next year.
We hope everybody who supported the event had a great time and enjoyed the day, and a big thank you to Karen Lawrence for organising the event.
Site Security - Gate Entrances
28th July 2022 
28th July 2022
In: General News
It has become more and more apparent the gate at the Hobart Close entrance of the site is being left open on entry and exit to the site, despite a council notice clearly stating the gate to be closed and locked at all times.
Following recent vandalism and arson on site, plus we believe further shed break ins the last few days, it is incumbent upon us to help ourselves in terms of security, and request all members close and lock the gate every time they enter and exit the site to deter unwanted or unwelcome visitors.
As recently as yesterday there was a gang of youths on site around the trading hut and cabin area reported by plot owners: a group of size and age probably not worth the risk of individuals engaging with.
Please do not operate under the belief this responsibility belongs to someone else and take the time to close and lock the gate on entry and exit, to ensure we can deter unwanted visitors to the site. We do not I am sure we would all agree wish to be seen as an easy access point for anyone, including travellers, or youths or other individuals looking for something to do, to allow access into what is a private space.
Please help us to try and keep our space secure
Following recent vandalism and arson on site, plus we believe further shed break ins the last few days, it is incumbent upon us to help ourselves in terms of security, and request all members close and lock the gate every time they enter and exit the site to deter unwanted or unwelcome visitors.
As recently as yesterday there was a gang of youths on site around the trading hut and cabin area reported by plot owners: a group of size and age probably not worth the risk of individuals engaging with.
Please do not operate under the belief this responsibility belongs to someone else and take the time to close and lock the gate on entry and exit, to ensure we can deter unwanted visitors to the site. We do not I am sure we would all agree wish to be seen as an easy access point for anyone, including travellers, or youths or other individuals looking for something to do, to allow access into what is a private space.
Please help us to try and keep our space secure
Allotment Competition....The Results Are In.
09th July 2022
09th July 2022
In: General News
The Melbourne Park Allotment Competition has now been judged and the results are in…..
There are two categories for the competition, one for those who have been on site for less than 18 months, and a second category for those more experienced plot holders. As usual the judging is completely independent and this year we welcomed Eddie and Pat Cole to offer their expert eye over our efforts. Eddie and Pat have been involved with Baddow Horticultural Society in the capacity of show secretary, and organising various trips for members, as well as judging the Baddow Parish Council Allotment competition each year.
Eddie and Pat were looking for plots with a good variety of fruit and vegetables, the condition of the crop, the apparent well being of the area, and general tidiness. They were impressed with the variety and condition of the crops being grown, and after careful deliberation selected the winning plots as follows:
Under 18 months
1st place Brian Pickford plot 127L
2nd place Joan Kama 12L and 12R
joint 3rd place Wesley Eselojor plot 82L and Saji Thomas plot 21
Over 18 months
1st place Marconi Belles 111 and 51B
2nd place Peter Caffrey plot 73 and 74
3rd place Ian Gill 26L
Highly Commended Tony Holbrook and Karen Lawrence plots 24 and 45
There are two categories for the competition, one for those who have been on site for less than 18 months, and a second category for those more experienced plot holders. As usual the judging is completely independent and this year we welcomed Eddie and Pat Cole to offer their expert eye over our efforts. Eddie and Pat have been involved with Baddow Horticultural Society in the capacity of show secretary, and organising various trips for members, as well as judging the Baddow Parish Council Allotment competition each year.
Eddie and Pat were looking for plots with a good variety of fruit and vegetables, the condition of the crop, the apparent well being of the area, and general tidiness. They were impressed with the variety and condition of the crops being grown, and after careful deliberation selected the winning plots as follows:
Under 18 months
1st place Brian Pickford plot 127L
2nd place Joan Kama 12L and 12R
joint 3rd place Wesley Eselojor plot 82L and Saji Thomas plot 21
Over 18 months
1st place Marconi Belles 111 and 51B
2nd place Peter Caffrey plot 73 and 74
3rd place Ian Gill 26L
Highly Commended Tony Holbrook and Karen Lawrence plots 24 and 45
Congratulations to all those plot holders above. We will broadcast a date for awarding the trophies and certificates, and a big thank you to Eddie and Pat for giving up their time to judge our competition for us.
Dates to Remember
01st July 2022
01st July 2022
In: General News
A quick reminder of a couple of dates to remember. Firstly, the Annual Allotment Competition for Association plot holders is being judged on or around the 8th July. Please ensure your plot(s) is clearly marked with the plot number, and importantly your membership is up to date. There are two categories, one for those who have owned the plot for less than 18 months, and a category for the more experienced plot holder. Best of luck to everyone.
The Association are organising a trip to Hyde Hall on 6th August, its free to get in on the day, but you must let Karen or Tony know (at the trading hut or on the plots) before 3rd July as we need to advise Hyde Hall how many of us will be attending. Our planned visit co - incides with the annual Hyde Hall Flower Show and should therefore make for a great day out. To take advantage of 'free entrance' you must book in advance, so we may book the requisite number of tickets. Do not just turn up on the day as it will prove disappointing and we will not be able to accommodate you.
The Association are organising a trip to Hyde Hall on 6th August, its free to get in on the day, but you must let Karen or Tony know (at the trading hut or on the plots) before 3rd July as we need to advise Hyde Hall how many of us will be attending. Our planned visit co - incides with the annual Hyde Hall Flower Show and should therefore make for a great day out. To take advantage of 'free entrance' you must book in advance, so we may book the requisite number of tickets. Do not just turn up on the day as it will prove disappointing and we will not be able to accommodate you.
Basket Weaving - Wilderness Foundation
28th June 2022 
28th June 2022
In: General News
Our good friends at the Wilderness Foundation are organising a Willow Weaving Day with local Artist Deb Hart, at the Wilderness Foundation HQ at Chatham Green.
Deb has over 20 years experience in willow weaving and has made a name UK wide and internationally through her involvement in private and corporate projects including Chelsea Flower Show installations and her work with the National Trust, English Heritage & the Royal Horticultural Society just to name a few.
There are two days organised, Saturday 16th July and 17th September, and booking is essential. All information is contained on the poster.
Deb has over 20 years experience in willow weaving and has made a name UK wide and internationally through her involvement in private and corporate projects including Chelsea Flower Show installations and her work with the National Trust, English Heritage & the Royal Horticultural Society just to name a few.
There are two days organised, Saturday 16th July and 17th September, and booking is essential. All information is contained on the poster.
Shed Break In / Vandalism
26th June 2022
26th June 2022
In: General News
We regret to advise plot holders the site was subject to a series of break ins and vandalism overnight Saturday 26th / Sunday 27th June. We are not sure in terms of those affected. If you believe your shed, or property has suffered, please report the full details to the Police under incident reference 42/163092/22.
The incident occurred overnight between approximately 11pm and 1.30am, and if anyone has any information about the event, please get in touch with your observations, via this website, the City Council direct, or in the case of the above, the police.
Full details (as far as we possibly can, and that we are aware of) have already been provided to the police and the City Council.
The incident occurred overnight between approximately 11pm and 1.30am, and if anyone has any information about the event, please get in touch with your observations, via this website, the City Council direct, or in the case of the above, the police.
Full details (as far as we possibly can, and that we are aware of) have already been provided to the police and the City Council.
Allotment Flypast
02nd June 2022 
02nd June 2022
In: General News
Veterans of the Melbourne Park Allotment Site know we are on the flight path for London in the event of any special celebrations. For those on the Allotments today, you would have witnessed the Queens Platinum Jubilee flypast which included a formation celebrating the Queens 70 years on the throne, followed by the Red Arrows.
Wilderness Foundation - Open Day - 7th May
19th April 2022
Our good friends at the Wilderness Foundation are holding an open day on 7th May between 10AM and 2PM. The Foundation runs a series of community plots on site and any funds they are able to raise on the day will go to support the community project. If you are able to spare some time to pay them a visit and support the activity, it would prove to be very welcome.
A poster for the event is enclosed - follow the link
Spring Open Day Leaflet
19th April 2022
In: General News
Our good friends at the Wilderness Foundation are holding an open day on 7th May between 10AM and 2PM. The Foundation runs a series of community plots on site and any funds they are able to raise on the day will go to support the community project. If you are able to spare some time to pay them a visit and support the activity, it would prove to be very welcome.
A poster for the event is enclosed - follow the link
Spring Open Day Leaflet
Allotment Competition - 8th July
05th March 2022
05th March 2022
In: General News
A quick reminder to everyone the Annual Allotment Competition is planned to take place on 8th July. As previous years there are two categories, one for newcomers, who have been membersof the Association for less than 18 months, and the second for those who have been members of the Association for greater than 18 months.
We have secured the services of Mr Eddie Cole to judge this years competition. A long term member of the Great Baddow Horticultural Society, heavily involved in organising their event schedules, Spring, Summer and Autumn shows during the year, and regularly judges the Baddow Parish Council Allotment Competition.
It is essential your plot is marked clearly with your plot number, and your membership fees are up to date. Last years winners Kevin Baskill and Flora Nica are pictured after they collected their trophies and certificates. Best of Luck to everyone.
We have secured the services of Mr Eddie Cole to judge this years competition. A long term member of the Great Baddow Horticultural Society, heavily involved in organising their event schedules, Spring, Summer and Autumn shows during the year, and regularly judges the Baddow Parish Council Allotment Competition.
It is essential your plot is marked clearly with your plot number, and your membership fees are up to date. Last years winners Kevin Baskill and Flora Nica are pictured after they collected their trophies and certificates. Best of Luck to everyone.
Hyde Hall Visit - 6th August
05th March 2022
05th March 2022
In: General News
We are organising a trip to RHS Hyde Hall which co - incides with their flower show on Saturday 6th August. Using our affiliation with the Royal Horticultural Society, entrance is free on the day to us as a group. We have provisionally booked 30 spaces, and these are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please book at the Trading Hut via Tony or Karen by 9th July latest as we have to advise RHS Hyde Hall absolute numbers to secure our entry
No transport is provided, and as last year we plan to meet at the main entrance (at the top of the car park) to Hyde Hall at 09.45 sharp on the 6th. We can then enter as a group via the group entrance point which is different from the public entry point.
No transport is provided, and as last year we plan to meet at the main entrance (at the top of the car park) to Hyde Hall at 09.45 sharp on the 6th. We can then enter as a group via the group entrance point which is different from the public entry point.
New Sign at Hobart Close Entrance
04th March 2022
04th March 2022
In: General News
Plot holders who enter the site from the Hobart Close gate, cannot fail to have noticed a new Welcome sign just inside the entrance. The sign also has a statement on it recognising Arthur and Ada Cornell's astonishing 70 year association with the site, as a plot holder, committee member, for many years manning the trading hut no matter the weather, and latterly as Honorary President of the Members Association.
Arthur and Ada took their first plot on the newly marked out site in 1947 straight after he demobilised, competed at the local vegetable and flower shows, and testament to their success is the number of times their names appear on trophies the Association now retain.
The sign was funded by Arthur Cornell who wanted to leave a lasting statement in terms of both their activity at the Allotments, and we are grateful to the council for expediting the wishes and erecting close to the front entrance.
Arthur and Ada took their first plot on the newly marked out site in 1947 straight after he demobilised, competed at the local vegetable and flower shows, and testament to their success is the number of times their names appear on trophies the Association now retain.
The sign was funded by Arthur Cornell who wanted to leave a lasting statement in terms of both their activity at the Allotments, and we are grateful to the council for expediting the wishes and erecting close to the front entrance.
Eco Defenders - After the Storm
03rd March 2022
03rd March 2022
In: General News
Following the ravages of storm Eunice, where fortunately much of the allotment site escaped reasonably lightly, a group of willing volunteers from the Eco Defenders group which meets on a Saturday morning could be seen around the site, collecting and picking up litter, not just from the fence lines but from the principal roadways across the site.
On behalf of the Association and fellow plot members, a huge thank you to Carolin and the team for all the effort undertaken on what remained a pretty blustery day.
The Wilderness Foundation Uk charity run a 6 plot community allotment, 'Down to Earth Allotment', within the site. Carolin Rogers runs a childrens allotment group there on a Saturday morning teaching young people how to grow their own but also help them connect to nature and taking on stewardship of their local environment. Litter picking is a very practical and tangible way to help keep our environment healthy and safe and can promote a greener way of living.
On behalf of the Association and fellow plot members, a huge thank you to Carolin and the team for all the effort undertaken on what remained a pretty blustery day.
The Wilderness Foundation Uk charity run a 6 plot community allotment, 'Down to Earth Allotment', within the site. Carolin Rogers runs a childrens allotment group there on a Saturday morning teaching young people how to grow their own but also help them connect to nature and taking on stewardship of their local environment. Litter picking is a very practical and tangible way to help keep our environment healthy and safe and can promote a greener way of living.
Nature, Nurture, Future - Gardening for Wellbeing.
04th February 2022
04th February 2022
In: Features
Everyone has faced quite a number of challenges over the recent year, with COVID restricting activities and social interaction. The Wilderness Foundation is no different and has undergone some change during this period with reduced numbers, and a change of leadership. Despite this a huge amount of effort goes into the plots under their management, as Carolin Rogers, who now leads the activity explains in this update.....
Our friends at The Wilderness Foundation work across six plots and have a distinct variety of growing space for fruit and vegetables across traditional beds, raised beds and poly tunnels combined with areas left for wildlife. Over the years, we have stablished log & habitat piles, small areas of rubble, hedgerows, wildflower patches and a wetland area to benefit our local insects, invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals.
Our friends at The Wilderness Foundation work across six plots and have a distinct variety of growing space for fruit and vegetables across traditional beds, raised beds and poly tunnels combined with areas left for wildlife. Over the years, we have stablished log & habitat piles, small areas of rubble, hedgerows, wildflower patches and a wetland area to benefit our local insects, invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals.
Organic allotment gardening goes hand in hand with a healthy environment for wildlife as those little creatures benefit our crops in so many ways. And, of course, they benefit us too! Who hasn’t smiled at the little robin landing next to you on the spade handle to chirp hello and ‘thank you for digging up some worms’?!
The allotment year started well, but we still noticed the aftermath of Covid-19 with a considerable reduction in participants in our programmes. As such, we had to reduce our work to one day a week with only few volunteers attending. Unfortunately, our schools programme ceased to run due to the circumstances. We have been running the allotment on a Tuesday as normal but with much more attention on Covid 19 safety and social distancing as many volunteers are vulnerable.
We are excited to have been able to launch ‘Eco Defenders’, a creative horticultural-environmental youth programme for 10 & 11-year olds. Our new allotment-based outdoor club started with a one-week summer camp at the beginning of last year’s summer holidays. Albeit with only 4 participants attending, it was a huge success and a tremendous variety of outdoor activity fun was had by all. The programme now runs on Saturday mornings at the allotments. Once a month we successfully team up with Green Influencers at Chatham Green.
Despite the effect of Covid-19, our groups manged to keep on ‘growing’ and make a difference across our plots and to each other, collecting fresh produce, enjoy wildlife and be together in a positive environment.
We are motivated to make growing food more accessible to a wider audience, or for those with less time and financial resource to run their own allotments, or in fact, have limited access to a garden space. Our allotment programme boosts and helps to maintain a healthy and positive mental attitude and supports physical health as well. Connecting people with nature through growing healthy food, activity, socializing and awareness of our beautiful environment is one of the core benefits to mental and physical wellbeing.
The Down to Earth Allotment programme is open to a range of community groups, schools and individuals. Most of our young adult volunteers are living with mental or physical disability. We also use the allotment to engage clients from other social organizations such as Chelmsford Community College Initiative and local special needs schools catering for young people with complex and severe learning difficulties.
We are excited to have been able to launch ‘Eco Defenders’, a creative horticultural-environmental youth programme for 10 & 11-year olds. Our new allotment-based outdoor club started with a one-week summer camp at the beginning of last year’s summer holidays. Albeit with only 4 participants attending, it was a huge success and a tremendous variety of outdoor activity fun was had by all. The programme now runs on Saturday mornings at the allotments. Once a month we successfully team up with Green Influencers at Chatham Green.
Despite the effect of Covid-19, our groups manged to keep on ‘growing’ and make a difference across our plots and to each other, collecting fresh produce, enjoy wildlife and be together in a positive environment.
We are motivated to make growing food more accessible to a wider audience, or for those with less time and financial resource to run their own allotments, or in fact, have limited access to a garden space. Our allotment programme boosts and helps to maintain a healthy and positive mental attitude and supports physical health as well. Connecting people with nature through growing healthy food, activity, socializing and awareness of our beautiful environment is one of the core benefits to mental and physical wellbeing.
The Down to Earth Allotment programme is open to a range of community groups, schools and individuals. Most of our young adult volunteers are living with mental or physical disability. We also use the allotment to engage clients from other social organizations such as Chelmsford Community College Initiative and local special needs schools catering for young people with complex and severe learning difficulties.
We aim to revive our connections during the coming year and have already seen an increase in new participants and are also pleased to welcome a lovely new group of young secondary school age people from New Hall School! This wonderful bunch of young ladies and gentlemen enjoy coming during their lunchbreak on a weekly basis and have helped with a range of tasks including reweaving our willow fence.
After many years of running the allotments successfully, we said farewell to Jonathan Barker. We would like to thank him for his dedication, hard work and the valuable and friendly relationships he built over the years. Our new project leader, Carolin Rogers, took on the running of the site in November and has been welcomed, heartily accepted and supported by participants and volunteers alike. She, too, would like to thank everyone for the friendly inclusion into the team, encouragement and kind words.
The last 2-3 months have been challenging as the lack of helpers and maintenance time spent due the pandemic restrictions had left their mark, and a lot of overgrown areas, clearing and repair-needy structures had to be dealt with. A small team of regular volunteers has supported Carolin through the last 3 months with this for which she is extremely grateful.
After many years of running the allotments successfully, we said farewell to Jonathan Barker. We would like to thank him for his dedication, hard work and the valuable and friendly relationships he built over the years. Our new project leader, Carolin Rogers, took on the running of the site in November and has been welcomed, heartily accepted and supported by participants and volunteers alike. She, too, would like to thank everyone for the friendly inclusion into the team, encouragement and kind words.
The last 2-3 months have been challenging as the lack of helpers and maintenance time spent due the pandemic restrictions had left their mark, and a lot of overgrown areas, clearing and repair-needy structures had to be dealt with. A small team of regular volunteers has supported Carolin through the last 3 months with this for which she is extremely grateful.
On November 30th we were lucky to have an amazing workforce from Essex Suffolk & Water, who volunteered for the day to tackle much needed ‘heavy lifting’ jobs across our large site. Through their comprehensive skills and the tools they brought with them, new raised beds were built, structures repaired, paths re-mulched and clearance works carried out. The positive effect on garden and our group participants was immense and everyone is still talking about this brilliant day! We are hoping to be able to repeat this day of action during the coming year.
We are pleased to have received donations of timber sleepers and associated fixings, which were used during our volunteer day to build a brand-new raised bed. We also gratefully received a donation of a pallet of mushroom compost, which will be valuable for improving our soil and mulch around our fruit trees and bushes.
With new raised beds in place and more in the planning, we are very pleased have been able to team up with the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Living Well Programme to set up a new allotment horticultural and green therapy scheme. This enables us to work with NHS patients on the long waiting list for hip and knee replacements as well as cancer survivors. We will be able to offer a safe, sociable, productive and encouraging community space those people with particular physical and mental needs.
A huge Thank you to our plot neighbours, allotment friends and the allotment chairs Karen & Ray Lawrence, who regularly pop by to say ‘Hello’ and enrich us with friendly words, helpful suggestions and a pat on the shoulder!
Currently the food grown at the allotment is shared amongst those growing it as the best way to learn where our food comes from and engage people with the subjects of nutrition and cooking. We also donate food to the homeless charity Sanctus in Broomfield to support others in the community in need. The allotments create a hub for people to feel safe, carry out constructive and tangible work, break cycles of loneliness or social isolation and are an important part of the local community.
As 2021 drew to a close, we concluded that much was achieved to make the allotment garden look great and ready ‘to grow’ for the coming year. We received truly encouraging feedback from children, parents, our adult participant as well as other plot holders, who all reflected on many enjoyable, inspirational and encouraging hours ‘down to earth’.
We are pleased to have received donations of timber sleepers and associated fixings, which were used during our volunteer day to build a brand-new raised bed. We also gratefully received a donation of a pallet of mushroom compost, which will be valuable for improving our soil and mulch around our fruit trees and bushes.
With new raised beds in place and more in the planning, we are very pleased have been able to team up with the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Living Well Programme to set up a new allotment horticultural and green therapy scheme. This enables us to work with NHS patients on the long waiting list for hip and knee replacements as well as cancer survivors. We will be able to offer a safe, sociable, productive and encouraging community space those people with particular physical and mental needs.
A huge Thank you to our plot neighbours, allotment friends and the allotment chairs Karen & Ray Lawrence, who regularly pop by to say ‘Hello’ and enrich us with friendly words, helpful suggestions and a pat on the shoulder!
Currently the food grown at the allotment is shared amongst those growing it as the best way to learn where our food comes from and engage people with the subjects of nutrition and cooking. We also donate food to the homeless charity Sanctus in Broomfield to support others in the community in need. The allotments create a hub for people to feel safe, carry out constructive and tangible work, break cycles of loneliness or social isolation and are an important part of the local community.
As 2021 drew to a close, we concluded that much was achieved to make the allotment garden look great and ready ‘to grow’ for the coming year. We received truly encouraging feedback from children, parents, our adult participant as well as other plot holders, who all reflected on many enjoyable, inspirational and encouraging hours ‘down to earth’.
We continue to be grateful to our funders & donators and fantastic support given to the project by all involved. We constantly grow publicity through local and social media for the allotments and to encourage more people to grow food at home following 2 pandemic years of truly valuing our green spaces and experiencing gardening as a therapeutic tool to improve our health.
Article produced by Carolin Rogers, Wilderness Foundation.
If you have an interest in volunteering, or to find out more about the Wilderness Foundation and the Down to Earth activities, contact details are provided under.
All photographs - www.raylawphoto.co.uk
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening on our plots and elsewhere at the Wilderness Foundation by visiting our website: www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk. You can also speak to me ,Carolin Rogers, on 07757 536638 or contact me via email: carolin@wildernessfoundation.org.uk
Article produced by Carolin Rogers, Wilderness Foundation.
If you have an interest in volunteering, or to find out more about the Wilderness Foundation and the Down to Earth activities, contact details are provided under.
All photographs - www.raylawphoto.co.uk
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening on our plots and elsewhere at the Wilderness Foundation by visiting our website: www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk. You can also speak to me ,Carolin Rogers, on 07757 536638 or contact me via email: carolin@wildernessfoundation.org.uk
Wilderness Foundation Pruning Advice Day
28th December 2021
28th December 2021
In: General News
Our good friends at the Wilderness Foundation are hosting an apple and pear tree pruning day on 22nd January. A poster advertising the event is enclosed, and if you have any interest please get in touch with Carolin directly to organise and book.
All the funds raised from the event will contribute to the ongoing work undertaken by Wilderness on the plots.
A link to the Wilderness Foundation poster advertising the event can be found here
Apple Tree Pruning Day
All the funds raised from the event will contribute to the ongoing work undertaken by Wilderness on the plots.
A link to the Wilderness Foundation poster advertising the event can be found here
Apple Tree Pruning Day
Merry Christmas
24th December 2021
24th December 2021
In: General News
A short message to wish everyone connected with Melbourne Park Allotments a happy Christmas and above all a healthy fruit and vegetable growing New Year.
Don't forget the trading hut re opens on Saturday 8th January stocked with plenty of essentials to assist a successful growing season in 2022.
Merry Christmas Everyone.
Don't forget the trading hut re opens on Saturday 8th January stocked with plenty of essentials to assist a successful growing season in 2022.
Merry Christmas Everyone.