How to contact Alveston Allotments Association
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A committee organises the site and the plot holders. For more information please contact the Chairman or Secretary, Alveston Allotments Association by email: [email protected].
You can also contact Graham Smith at Alveston Parish Council on: [email protected] or call 01454 413550. There is a waiting list for allotments and if you would like your name to be added, please use the email link to make your request. |
Life at the Alveston Allotments
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At this time of year our beautiful allotment plots start to come to life. Nothing is more rewarding that watching your efforts come into fruition throughout the year by enjoying the summer salads, fruit pies and winter veg all from your own allotment plot.
Allotment plot holders join an enthusiastic community of other allotment holders who will advise, encourage and support throughout the year. All allotment holders are members of the Alveston Allotment Association. The Parish Council is delighted to answer questions from residents of Alveston, Rudgeway and Earthcott should you be interested (there is a short waiting list). All this could be yours for an annual fee of just £32.00. TAKE THE ALLOTMENT CHALLENGE - Contact the Parish Clerk for further information on: [email protected] or 01454 413550. |
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About the Allotments
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There are 35 allotments available for Alveston Parishioners. Established in 2010 from a field they have developed into a vibrant growing space. Each plot is arranged by the grower and a huge variety of vegetables, flowers and herbs are grown.
It is a hobby that requires dedicated time. Soil preparation is everything, the differing soil types on each allotment must be taken into consideration. The application of nutrients is essential and the use of manure and compost is encouraged. Rotation of plants, their health and the jigsaw that is growing times has to be addressed. The culmination is the enjoyment of eating the food very fresh. The time from plot to plate is the time taken to walk home. Let’s not be philosophical as vegetable growers are basically practical people. What keeps the plot holders going back is a multitude of other enjoyments that insidiously benefits everyone. Varied outdoor activity, exercise that improves core strength. Good food free from problems brought on by travelling long distances. Patience is needed and a long view helps. Coping with changes in weather can dictate what grows or not. Trying again or something new is always an option. To spend time with other like-minded people learning from others' expertise, exchanging ideas and advice, creating friendships. Allotments are a delightful way of expressing your own character and are the alternative to the “hunter gatherer”. This open peaceful space, provides a time out experience, a ‘me’ time. The role of the shed should not be underestimated! Collective involvement by plot holders, improving the infrastructure for the benefit of all is a wholesome reward. We have a herb garden, a wild flower patch, bird boxes, communal compost bins, benches, communal wheelbarrows, water troughs, apple and plum trees and Brian the scarecrow. Allotments appear to be passive but they can have a character and will respond to love, care and attention to detail. What you get out depends on what you put in – plus the weather!!! And there’s always next year! |
History of Alveston Allotments
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In 2007, as a result of the Parish Plan, Alveston Parish Council, drew up a waiting list from interested parties within Alveston.
The site, situated off Forty Acre Lane along a footpath, was kindly donated by Mrs Hawkins. Each plot was initially assigned to a name taken from the waiting list, allocated on a system of randomly drawn names and numbers in 2008. The site was transformed from a field with horses, overgrown with brambles, nettles, ground elder, tree stumps and other strenuously belligerent weeds into 35 individual, very productive vegetable allotments. Everybody has worked tirelessly to create well managed fertile allotments, helped by the supply of compost from ‘Thornbury Composting’ and farmyard manure. Initially members' knowledge of vegetable growing ranged from “never done it before” to “show quality results”. Everybody has come together and is happy to talk and discuss gardening issues and exchange knowledge, the sense of community this creates cannot be underestimated. It is a pleasure to visit the allotments. Over the years we have fed ourselves, friends, relations and donated vegetables to several charities including the Alveston Show Raffle. The site continues to be a quiet refuge for vegetables, fruit and flowers to grow and is a great source of pleasure to the tenants. |
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