Green-fingered pupils snap up local allotments

Published by Lizzie Murrie for Quicksilver PR in Housing and also in Communities, Education, Environment, Health

Housing association LHA-ASRA Group proved that gardens are also top of their agenda by teaming up with Welbeck Allotment Association and a junior school to encourage a new generation of green-fingered youngsters.

A recent ‘Big Dig’ event saw staff from Leicester-based LHA-ASRA Group come together with the community to turn a largely unused plot of land - cultivated by only 15 keen vegetable growers - into 100 sought-after allotments.

Following the success of the day, which transformed a patch of land at Kirton Close, Meden Vale, and the ever continuing efforts from the Allotment Association,EastlandsJuniorSchoolhas now expanded its gardening club to include the new allotments.

The Meden Vale based school has put its name down for two plots, while parents of pupils have also caught the veg-growing bug and have signed up for five others.

EastlandsJuniorSchool’s gardening club is for pupils aged from seven to 11 years old and PTA Leader Joanne Rush said this was a key age group to inspire about the gardening world.

“We will be spending the winter establishing the plot and getting it ready for spring,” she said. “The school gardening club is already preparing the seedlings at school.

“We have planted fruit bushes to supply the schools healthy eating tuck shop. This will also allow the children to see the development of what they are eating from start to finish.

“There’s a real community feel on the allotments. The well-established gardeners are always happy to talk to the children and other newcomers offering help and advice. It’s great to be able to make the most of their knowledge.”

EastlandsJuniorSchoolhead teacher, Sue Gibbons, added: “The liaison between our gardening club and the PTA Allotment Group will benefit our children immensely. It will encourage their interest and enthusiasm in the outdoor work they are doing in school and will develop their understanding of where food comes from.

“It will also encourage parents to have a common interest with their children that can be shared during evenings and weekends. We are looking forward to the first supply of home grown produce to supplement our Healthy Eating tuck shop.”

The Allotment Association is currently seeking new funding to supply running water to the allotments, as well as looking into other grants to boost the Kirton Close area.

LHA-ASRA Group is hoping to organise another Big Dig session in the early part of 2012.