Farm Digging Community Links

Molescroft Grange Farm located on the outskirts of Beverley will be expanding it’s community involvement & reducing the large waiting list for allotments in East Yorkshire* by providing allotments by the 1st March 2012.

The Molescroft Grange Community Allotments Association, set up by Barry Love, John Whalley (interim Treasurer & Chairman, both members of the local community), & Tamara Hall (Pictured above; interim Secretary, Molescroft Grange Farm), would like local residents to get in touch to register their interest as soon as possible. Spaces will be limited although there is the possibility to expand in the future.

Full sized plots will be available for those with previous experience, half sized plots for those who are less experienced or with less time available.

The benefits of having an allotment include:

•    cheap source of fresh fruit and vegetables, and therefore a healthy diet
•    opportunity to spend time outside enjoying nature
•    sense of achievement and well-being
•    giving your mind something positive to focus on
•    chance to learn
•    reduction in stress
•    chance to escape the pressures of modern living
•    helps community spirit and offers an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life
•    environment benefits by providing green spaces and wildlife habitats
•    gardening is a good form of exercise
•    a chance for children to learn where food comes from.

Initially the plan will be to get the site ready for the allotments – provision of hard tracks for access, water supply & parking. Over the longer term it is hoped that local schools & day care centres will be bringing groups to learn how to grow their own food. Disabled access will be provided with an allotment specifically designed for people with reduced mobility.

An orchard is planned with heritage varieties of various fruit trees and a pollen & nectar bee-friendly area will also be included.

Mr Whalley says

“The MGAllotment Society will be looking for members who are committed, reliable and responsible – willing to maintain their plots and keep them in good order.  We appreciate that we need to be a beneficial part of our local community, one that enhances the environment for people living in the area.”

Mr Love adds

“ I’ve been waiting for an allotment for several years and so I’m delighted to be involved in this new community development.  I’d encourage anyone in Beverley who is really keen to have an allotment to get in touch via the email address mgallotments@gmail.com

“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves”. – Ghandi