COMMUNITY FEATURE
With more emphasis placed on environmental issues and sustainability, an increasing number of people are seeking to grow their own produce, especially in areas where access to fresh, locally-grown goods may be limited. Allotments are not only affordable but provide a strong sense of community where fellow gardeners can socialise, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors.
The Hillrigg Organic Allotments in the village of Greengairs, North Lanarkshire, was established in February 2022, thanks to the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Scheme. The chosen site for the allotments had not been used in over 50 years, and so it was deemed eligible for repurposing.
After overcoming supply issues due to the pandemic and Brexit, the allotments now boast 19 individual plots of up to 125 square metres in size, as well as 7 raised planting beds which can be utilised by wheelchair users.
Each plot has an 8x4 potting shed, and there is access to a communal polytunnel on site, as well as a portacabin hut with a working loo and electricity.
Although there is a standpipe for water, sustainability is a priority at the Hillrigg site where harvesting of rain water is encouraged where possible, and plot holders have made a collective effort to include pollinator and companion planting in their allotments.
Flora McArthur Arbuckle, committee member and plot holder, grew up in Hillrigg and has been involved in the project since its inception. She said, "The allotments are available to anyone living within North Lanarkshire, but we do have a waiting list at the moment. We have all kinds of folks here: teachers, construction workers, nail technicians, and childminders. We are a mixed bunch, just like our veg!”
Affordability is also important to Flora, who feels that allotment gardening should be accessible to everyone, “Our annual fees have been agreed at £50 per annum, which we feel is reasonable. Some people are not working and may be on benefits, so we want to make it affordable to all.”
The Hillrigg Organic Allotments will celebrate its one year anniversary in February, and a successful first growing season on the south-facing site has yielded impressive results. Plot holders have been able to harvest a vast array of fresh produce such as cauliflower, potatoes, sweetcorn, aubergines, courgettes, cucumbers, strawberries, and sunflower plants, to name but a few.
The group has even taken to selling their harvested fruit and veg to raise money for local food banks, and it has been so successful that they are now considering using a local shop to sell their produce on a more permanent basis.
With the allotments entering their second year, the group is now looking forward to another season of abundant growth and harvest. They also have big ideas on how they want to expand the project to further benefit the community. Flora explains, “We are hoping to have our small electricity supply moved to passive energy to be more eco-friendly, and we have been discussing the possibility of applying for charitable status.”
After what has been an uncertain and isolating few years for many, the success of the Hillrigg site is a prime example of how allotment gardening whilst giving people the opportunity to grow their own produce, can play an important role in promoting sustainability, reducing social isolation, and strengthening community bonds.
If you would like to see your community or charity gardening group featured in a future edition of Scotland Grows magazine, please do get in touch to mail@scotlandgrowsmagazine.com - we would love to hear from you!