The money will allow Golborne Allotments Association to become more sustainable and improve current facilities.
Located on Rivington Avenue, in Golborne, the association applied to our community grant scheme and received money that will enable them to install a rainfall collection system and reskin a polytunnel.
As National Allotments Week 2022 (Aug 8 – 14) gets underway, Philip Holland, treasurer for the club spoke how the updates were vital to the future of the allotments.
“The rainfall system will help us to catch water that lands on one side of the polytunnel so we can cut down on our water bills and become self-sufficient,” said Philip.
“We are very environmentally aware, and this has been something we’ve wanted to do for a while.”
“The communal polytunnel, which is like a greenhouse except it has a polythene membrane over the top, has needed replacing for a while but the pandemic meant that money couldn’t be raised to pay for it themselves.
“We normally have an annual plant sale to raise money however Covid-19 put a stop to that.
“We also have some elderly members so despite all the lockdowns being lifted, we still haven’t had a plant sale because we don’t want to risk anyone catching it, so this donation has really helped us out.”
Linked to the Oakwood Fields development in nearby Lowton, we gifted six local community groups and good causes £500 each.
The community grants are in addition to more than £400,000 of contributions we’re providing to the local community as part of the planning process. With over £175,000 going to local schools, £130,000 to local play areas and £110,000 to Pennington Flash Country Park to improve the area for new and existing residents.
Golborne Allotments Association has been around for 52 years and currently has 16 members aged from their mid-thirties all the way up to 80 years old.
Philip spoke about the importance of growing your own produce, which can be a huge help with the cost of living: “Not only are allotments a great social opportunity, nothing tastes better than homegrown stuff.
“It’s also great exercise and sometimes members come down for a chat rather than always gardening, so I’d say there’s huge mental health benefits too.”
Philip’s top tip for anyone thinking of having a go at growing produce is to start small. Find a small plot of land or even use containers and start with simple things such as salad items like lettuces, radishes, spring onions and herbs and go from there.
Sian Pitt, sales director for Lancashire said: “The social and mental health benefits of having an allotment were one of the reasons we chose to support Golborne Allotments. We also liked that they give back to the wider community by donating produce to local charities such as Compassion in Action, who help those experiencing financial difficulties.”
To find out more about Golborne Allotments Association visit: Home (golborne-allotments.co.uk)
Located in a semi-rural location, Oakwood Fields will have just over 100 three and four-bedroom homes. To find out more contact our sales team on 01942447712 or visit www.redrow.co.uk/oakwoodfields
