Choices Allotment Club

The plot came with four large raised beds, slabbed areas for easy accessibility, areas around the edges for further planting and mature fruit trees. A few months on we were offered the neighbouring plot and decided to take that on too. This second plot needed much more work but came with much more opportunity.

We have so many plans for both big plots, these include:

• buying a new shed with space to run educational and wellbeing sessions from
• a large polytunnel to cultivate and nurture our own produce from seed
• a large wildlife area including a pond, hedgehog houses, bird houses and tables

The area benefits from so much amazing wildlife that we want to provide a safe haven as well as having the opportunities for amazing learning experiences and conservation for all involved. We have also set up a committee for the project that includes the people we support so that they can make decisions and choices over how the plots are run, what we grow and how any money received is spent.

The allotment is a place that is used to educate the people we support about healthy eating and lifestyle and how to be more sustainable. It’s also a place that’s relaxing, peaceful and nurtures the wellbeing and mental health of both the people we support and our staff.

We have already successfully grown lots of fruit, vegetables and flowers, each year will be better and better.