Work is underway to create a new community allotment site on Ambleside Road on the Ridge Estate in Lancaster. The ‘Off The Ground’ project is being managed by LESS (Lancaster District) who are also employing a team of project staff to support food growing projects across the Lancaster District.
The project will provide real benefits to the local community. Residents living closest to the new site will be prioritised for plots with some plots also available to community organisations. Further opportunities to get involved include free on site training and advice and support for residents to grow food in their own gardens.
Tom Fyson, Off the Ground Project Coordinator at LESS, said ‘It is really exciting to be creating something which will have such a positive impact in the Lancaster District. The new allotments will help address a real demand in the local area and plot holders will be able to benefit from free training and advice from the project team. Our Project Workers will also be available to provide free support to schools and community groups across the Lancaster District who want to develop food growing projects.’
Contractors are currently on site creating the infrastructure for the allotments including access and security fencing. Polytunnels will also be constructed to maximise the growing potential. The site will be set up following principles of sustainability and will include a compost toilet and tanks to collect rainwater for irrigation.
Anyone wishing to be considered for a plot or to find out more about volunteering and training opportunities with the project is encouraged to get in touch. Visit the website at http://lessuk.org/index.php?page=off-the-ground, drop into the offices at 8 Ridge Square or contact Tom or Joy on 01524 66100 (or 65937) or via email to tom@lessuk.org.
The project has received funding for the next three years from the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme and the Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership.