Allotment
The site is accessed from Main Street. It is almost opposite Marsh Lane, and is behind the Gilbert’s Field housing development.
As part of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the land to the rear of Gilbert's Field was transferred to the Parish Council for community use. After consultation it was decided to use the land for allotments.
In 2021 the site was developed into 20 allotments, with some larger plots shared by two people. The parish council also obtained a grant from Veolia Environmental Trust. This was used to develop the community hub element. When the second year started in 2022, there was a thriving community growing on the site, with all designated plots occupied as well as 2 community plots which were developed and tended to by allotment volunteers. One of the plots was developed with raised beds to accommodate people who could not manage a full or half plot or for those with mobility issues. The second community plot was used to grow communal produce namely pumpkins and a variety of squash. These were subsequently donated to St Wilfred’s church for harvest festival; the North Muskham children’s playgroup at Halloween and the best looking ones were given to the local art group to be immortalised in still life paintings.
In 2022 the community hub element was developed further. To this end a large wooden shed was purchased to form a meeting area with chairs, seed swap corner, as well as useful literature from the National Allotment Society and wall charts with useful tips on what to plant where and when. A secure communal storage container was also installed .
In 2021 Two 1000litre containers were donated and filled with water by local farmer Geoff Gibson for use by allotment holders until running water was later installed. In 2022/23 guttering was installed on the shed and the 2 containers re-purposed as water butts. This now gives us 2000litres of stored rain water for use during the growing season and saves on water bills.
At the beginning of 2024 it was deemed that only 1 community plot was necessary as there had been more of a demand to share plots rather than just adopting part of a community plot. The remaining community plot has now become multi-purpose including using vacant raised beds to grow seedlings which allotment holders can help themselves to as well as growing pumpkins,squash etc.
We have a dedicated group of allotment volunteers who continue to tend to communal areas as well as representatives on the parish council who also volunteer their time and expertise to help maintain communal areas including access roads.
