Aylestone gardeners unite with council to create allotment for elderly residents

Pic: Rookeries Allotment and Garden Society

An Aylestone gardening society has led an allotment project funded by the local council to create a plot for elderly members.

Members of the Rookeries Allotment and Garden Society, based at allotments on Paget Street, created the plot to help older members who wanted to carry on gardening.

The society applied for ward community funding to carry out the project and received £3,351.

Committee member Wendy Cook said: "For a lot of our older members, visiting the allotment is as much about the social side as it is about gardening.

"Our oldest member is 92 and still going strong! But we noticed that when people can no longer cope with a plot, they can drift away.

"Creating this area means they can still come and socialise and do a bit of gardening without having to commit to a full plot."

"It means we will still get to see our friends and keep in touch while doing the hobby we love."

Each ward receives a yearly budget to support projects that benefit the community, with applications considered by ward councillors.

Members also put personal funds into the project and received sponsorship support from local businesses A&J Roofing and Premier Plastering.

Deputy City Mayor for Environment Cllr Adam Clarke said: "I’m very pleased to be providing ward community funding for this hugely worthwhile project.

"We know how valuable allotments are to people, and we're committed to working closely with our allotment societies to keep these important green spaces available for people to enjoy.

"Allotments are an integral part of Leicester's food plan, providing local produce with zero air miles, as well as supporting our urban wildlife. They have enormous environmental value."

The gardeners raised beds on a previously overgrown, underused, sloping plot.

The raised beds will make it easier for older members to continue gardening. They also added a shed, greenhouse and seating area for gardeners to sit and chat.

Assistant City Mayor for Public Health Cllr Vi Dempster said: "This project highlights how beneficial gardening can be to both your physical and mental health.

"Gardeners here have recognised that getting together to socialise is just as important as the gardening itself.

"They've come up with a plan to support their older members so that they can carry on being a part of their community. What a fantastic cause for us to be able to support."

Members created the plot in time for the annual payments.

It means that if members do want to give up a larger plot, people on the waiting list can benefit.

To find out more on allotments across Leicester, visit the website here.

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