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My two allotments provide healthy outdoor activity with free food. Hard work brings the rewards of fresh fruit, veg and cut flowers. I also make my own jams and pickles. My wife and I have no access to outdoor space at home so the allotment is an improvement to our lives in many ways, for example we could not afford to eat as well as we do without growing our own food and we have opportunities for re-using and recycling in practical ways. There are vacant plots on my site although I was told by the council that there is a waiting list of over fifty people. I think they are running the site down. I would be distraught if it was lost to housing. All potential plot holders are made welcome and supported by the old boys and we have a good mix of people all keeping their own plots in their own way and giving a helping hand to others whever they can.
I have had an allotment for two years and am still learning. It is my gym at the end of the day; 1 hour a day digging, weeding, sowing etc (4 hours on Saturday if I can afford it) gets my heart beating with the added benefit of actually achieving something in peaceful surroundings. I know my fruit and veg is clean and fresh. I know I'm calmer, happier and more at peace with myself and others after time down the plot. I know that gentle gardening done correctly is superb therapy for depression and physical disorders with marked improvement for the sufferer. I know that people underestimate what a significant part of your life an allotment is. Digging in the winter and the spring, daily maintenance of plants in the growing/harvesting season, the ever escalating battle against weed invasion AND the daunting task of clearing the plot in the first place. The back of your thighs will become very toned indeed... Before getting their plot, applicants should consider reading as many first-hand accounts of allotmenting as possible, join allotment forums for knowledge development and even volunteer at the site they wish to join.I believe that under allotment/council rules if there are more than 10 people in an area wanting an allotment the council should provide one. Further research on that is needed.Allotments are worth more to the **community** than another housing development with a large tarmac'd parking area is.
...the therapy (learning to love weeds being part of that therapy - makes you calmer ;))
Re: men only.You just have to sigh... I felt like recommending some Men Only clubs that they have in Manchester - but I'm not sure it was what he had in mind...He could always hang a big sign on his plot and then everyone will leave him alone... Humbug!