LET ’ S GO OUTS IDE
GROW IT YOURSELF A GARDEN away from home MIRIAM BALANESCU MEETS THE CITY’S ARDENT ALLOTMENTERS, FROM SEASONED HORTICULTURALISTS TO GREEN NEW GROWERS
n the outskirts of the city, or tucked between buildings, Cambridgeshire hides a stunning crop of allotments. Not only do
these sites allow locals to grow their own food, but they also nurture communities, bringing people together from all walks of life. During the pandemic, when we hankered after the open air, waiting list numbers soared, filling up Cambridge’s modest 26 sites. For those who have not yet dipped their toes (or fingers), 12 of Cambridgeshire’s allotment sites are managed by the city council, while 14 are handled by local societies – bringing a mix of old-time gardening enthusiasts ready to relay their wisdom, and novices with new shoots of horticultural passion. Apart from the satisfaction of growing your own grub, allotments bring vital environmental benefits – locally sourced food reduces carbon emissions otherwise necessary for transportation. The first week after Clay Farm’s much-delayed opening in May 2021, 40 of its plots were occupied. Li, founder of the Clay Farm Community Garden, was first involved in initiatives welcoming residents of the Great Kneighton development. Sharing facilities with the allotments, the community garden was cultivated on fields amid building sites. When lockdown hit, Li saw locals make a dash for space. “If you go now, it looks as if it’s been there for years. Every single plot is up and running.” Allotments have been brimming since the pandemic, with members turning to social media to post pictures of their plunder when restrictions were tight, or hosting harvesting events when they were eased. Previously deserted or unkempt, many of Cambridgeshire’s allotments
have been given a new lease of life. As we gradually return to some sort of normality, lockdown – a time when we craved the great outdoors – has sown the seeds for the next generation of gardeners. GOING GREEN For Roger, the creation of new allotments nearby during the first lockdown was the nudge he needed to get involved. “Having a reason to be outside and work in the fresh air was quite appealing. There’s lots of footpaths across the fields around us, so we’re able to walk in the countryside.” Although Roger already has a garden, the wider scope offered by an allotment finally made him green-fingered. “I wasn’t sure how well it was going to go. Having a dedicated plot meant if it didn’t work out the first year, it didn’t matter. That sounded great.” Gardening requires patience, he warns: his first year was spent readying the plot for use the following spring. But, with a sprinkling of luck, Roger has started to see sprouts of garlic, broad beans, parsnips and potatoes. Other factors have contributed to this new-found biophilia across the UK.
GREEN AND GOLD Open your eyes to a whole new world of produce – this assortment of courgettes are an example of the colour and creativity that awaits
ALLOTMENTS HAVE BEEN BRIMMING SINCE THE PANDEMIC
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