In a recent survey of National Allotment Society members, ‘nearly every person said their love of allotment gardening comes from the fresh air, home grown produce, healthy lifestyle and like-minded people this activity offers’.
Owning your own allotment can be a very sociable experience and can also improve both physical and mental health. Just 30 minutes of working on your allotment can burn around 150 calories! Time spent out in the sunshine boosts vitamin D levels (but remember to top up your sunscreen) and this enjoyable activity is also known to increase serotin levels, making you feel happier and healthier.
A sense of community can really grow and tips on the best methods of producing good quality crops can be shared and passed on to less experienced gardeners, giving them more confidence when getting started. At our Big Dig Day at the Phipps Bridge Community Garden earlier this year, allotment owners were happy to help new volunteers and share their knowledge of organic gardening.
The environmental benefits are also significant, with food miles and your carbon footprint being reduced by eating locally and seasonally and being able to walk to and from your nearby plot. Allotments provide essential habitats for wildlife in urban communities, helping to increase biodiversity in built-up areas.
Running an allotment can be a big commitment and requires time and hard work but if you put in the effort, you will reap the health and well being benefits and save money on your weekly shop.A sense of community can really grow and tips on the best methods of producing good quality crops can be shared and passed on to less experienced gardeners, giving them more confidence when getting started. At our Big Dig Day at the Phipps Bridge Community Garden earlier this year, allotment owners were happy to help new volunteers and share their knowledge of organic gardening.
The environmental benefits are also significant, with food miles and your carbon footprint being reduced by eating locally and seasonally and being able to walk to and from your nearby plot. Allotments provide essential habitats for wildlife in urban communities, helping to increase biodiversity in built-up areas.
Running an allotment can be a big commitment and requires time and hard work but if you put in the effort, you will reap the health and well being benefits and save money on your weekly shop.