Allotments may sound more like parish council subject matter than something for the corridors of power in Whitehall. But it would wrong to make that assumption when Rotherham MP Sarah Champion is around.
She has tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill - which is part of Government planning reforms - which could see more land for allotments and community gardens being made available.
There is a national shortage of allotments, which have bounced back into fashion after decades in the doldrums. It is estimated there are 90,000 wanting to sign up for a plot, nationally.
She has been working with Mike Farrell, a Rotherham resident and Chair of the National Allotment Society (NAS), to campaign for the changes. Labour’s manifesto committed to promote nature recovery, through large-scale projects like riverwalks and national forests.
Sarah’s amendment seeks to leverage the opportunity on offer in smaller-scale nature recovery projects. Allotments and community gardens are rich in biodiversity, creating green spaces for wildlife and pollinators.
There is also a growing awareness of the role that these sits play in improving physical and mental health, as well as tackling loneliness, as allotment sites frequently have strong communities of gardeners willing to share their skills and help others.
Ms Champion said: “The creation of more allotments and community gardens would generate biodiversity benefits across the country, at relative ease and low cost to the taxpayer.”
“Allotments aren’t just about vegetables, they are about community. They create space for educational and social projects. In Rotherham, the South Yorkshire WH Community use their allotment to host a weekly Cook and Share Luncheon using allotment grown fruit and veg, for new and old residents alike.”
“With so many people on allotment waiting lists across the country, alongside a desperate need for nature recovery, my amendment represents a win-win for the Government.”
Mike Farrell added: “The waiting lists for allotments are a direct reflection of the lack of available land. With more people recognising the health and environmental benefits of growing their own food, it's vital that we expand access to these vital green spaces to ensure that no one is left waiting.”
‘VOLUNTEERING WEEK’ UK 1st – 7th July 2023
What are these events all about? They are held every year in recognition of all the contribution that volunteers do in all areas of the community to improve people’s life, and to say a big thank you to the volunteers.
The International Volunteer Day was designated by the United Nations in 1985 as an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteering. The UK’s Volunteer Week in 2023 is in its 39th year and generally has themes e.g. awareness of volunteering, the power of youth and its influence in the voluntary sector.
People from all walks of life in the UK volunteer on all levels to improve and help communities in many different ways. This volunteering is invaluable as many would go without and life would be a lot more difficult for many others if volunteer assistance was not available.
Volunteering not only helps others but also can be beneficial to the volunteer’s wellbeing also. It is human nature to feel good after helping someone out. New skills can be learnt by the volunteers and improvements in their confidence also.
It is quoted that over 16 million people in the UK did some form of volunteering in 2020/2021 and that most people have volunteered in one form or another at some point in their lives.
In the UK also there are many small charitable organisations and groups that operate in the voluntary sector, the majority of personnel in these organisations are volunteers. There is even an organisation, The National Council of Voluntary Organisation that looks after the interests of many of these smaller groups giving guidance on their operation.
These smaller organisations however operate in many areas of the community such as care for the vulnerable, help for those struggling to cope with or unable to afford civil and legal advice. Groups that help the elderly with transport and meals and other groups helping those less fortunate than ourselves, who have fallen on hard times and are living rough.
There are many volunteers operating in even larger organisations such as the National Health Service and some larger companies operate volunteer days making community improvements as part of their community involvement.
There are groups improving our environment such as the community ‘In Bloom’ groups striving to improve the aesthetics of the local environment for the wellbeing of the community. The list is endless.
The UK’s very own National Allotment Society is mainly operated by volunteers with the vast majority of members being volunteers in one form or another. Many allotment sites in the UK are also managed, maintained, and improved by volunteers, protecting, and improving the nations allotment stock for the benefit of future generations. Not only that they are improving the environment, providing fresh locally produced food, benefitting Climate Change, improving Biodiversity, well-being of many in the community and the list goes on.
It all boils down to that instinct and desire to help others and a will to improve what we already have.
Well done to all volunteers your work is invaluable and very much appreciated.
Rawdon in Bloom – Judges comments – Gold
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Overall Impression: It is evident from meeting the core members of the RIB group that they are very passionate about their village, and their passion and obvious enthusiasm shows in the results that their hard work around the village has produced. It is obvious that the group are constantly working to improve the overall look of the area, and the newly created Layton rockery as you enter from Horsforth into the village is a very pleasant sight. Their ethos of self-sufficiency and recycling are to be commended. With over 85% of the bedding plants seen around the village being grown by RIB members. The recycling of wood from the village, and skills provided from local residents to create signs and planters made an impressive addition to Rawdon. Trinity Church, the Garden of Remembrance, the lovely Crowtree planters along with the very well-kept Victory Garden Allotments were very pleasant stops on our tour. The ninety-nine white iceberg roses planted at the Littlemoor memorial stone and gardens was a place of peace and reflection for the local villagers. A number of the local businesses were seen to be supporting RIB with the very lovely planters outside their properties. All in all – a lovely village to visit. Judges feedback on areas for consideration.
Because of the building work being carried out at the local Primary school the judges did not get a chance to see the work carried out at ‘The Hive’. It would have been nice to have seen evidence of bird houses, bug hotels possibly being placed in this area.
In addition to the above the Vice Chairman of Rawdon in Bloom Phil Gomersall, was awarded ‘Community Champion’ award, presented to ‘individuals who have gone above and beyond to make their community gardening projects a success’, by the RHS Yorkshire In Bloom, under their Discretionary Yorkshire Rose Awards. Whilst Phil is very honoured by this award, he would like to stress that the success of the projects in Rawdon is and has been due to a dedicated team effort.
Phil Gomersall, Vice Chairman, Rawdon in Bloom.
