The need for allotments grows in Wirral

Aug 19 2009 by Samantha Parker, Birkenhead News

THE popularity of allotments has boomed massively since their decline in the 1990s – but why are they so popular?

The News spoke to Wirral’s allotment expert David Morris, who is so dedicated to his allotment he claims his wife is an allotment widow.

David, from Bebington, first fell in love with allotments when he moved into his home and discovered 20 acres of almost derelict allotments behind his garden.

He said: “In order to help to regenerate the site, I took on an allotment and we formed an Allotment Society in 2004, which has assisted the site in growing from strength to strength, raising funds to improve the facilities on the site.

“The vast majority of the site is now being used, with a waiting list for plots.

“On taking early retirement I took on the role of the North West Rep for the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardens, which is the national body which represents allotments holders.

“Until recently I was also the Allotment Development Officer for Wirral Council but resigned to concentrate on my voluntary work for the NSALG.”

There are currently 550 people in Wirral waiting for an allotment space.

During the later 1980s and 1990s there was a marked decrease of interest in allotments and many councils sold allotment land for development for allowed the land to fall into disrepair.

Tranmere Rovers fan David added: “It is great that so many people are now interested in owning an allotment.

“There are a number of factors that have contributed to this increase in demand; a much greater interest in knowing exactly what you are eating and feeding to your family, concerns over the use of pesticides and additives to lengthen the shelf life of fruit and vegetables, economic factors, increased concern about your carbon footprint and the huge cost in transportation and to the environment in moving foods hundreds of miles.

“Allotments are also an activity that the whole family can participate in and benefit from.

“I get a great deal of satisfaction from growing my own veg.

“There is so much variety available which you can’t get in supermarkets. The food tastes so much better and is so much fresher.

It is also a massive stress reliever and a way of exercising.

“The average age of plot holders has fallen dramatically and the number of females taking on allotments increased.

“Allotment sites are no longer the preserve of the retired male.

“Most new allotmenteers are growing for their families and all of the family are involved in the process.”

If you want to get an allotment David’s advice is to get on a waiting list and join a groups such as Wirral’s Access to Allotments.

David and the NSALG will be exhibiting at the Southport Flower show from Thursday.

David added: “The theme of the NSALG display at the flower show is Growing Your Own, so come and see us and we can explain more.”

l The Southport Flower Show runs Thursday – Saturday at Victoria Park. Advance tickets £14, £18 on the day.