We wanted to enable them to move to a more manageable growing space and to free up their plots for new gardeners currently on the waiting list. This maximises the growing capacity of the allotments while retaining the knowledge, friendship and social interactions with our allotment experts.

First steps

Plot 105, the ground in front of the polytunnel next to the pond, was selected as being suitable because:

• It was community/council land originally dedicated to educational and communal purposes, and
• It was fairly easy to convert to raised beds and level the ground

The existing plot holder was offered a different plot and kindly agreed to move off. The Environment Agency and the Council were consulted and agreed to the plans.

In early 2024, our contractor cleared and levelled the ground. A weed membrane was laid and the ground was topped with hard reclaimed material, which allows drainage.

A layer of hoggin¹ was laid and compacted to form the top surface (similar to hard ground paths and surfaces you find at National Trust properties). This is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids.

With the help of volunteers on their Corporate Social Responsibility Days from Turner and Townsend, we cleared the polytunnel, lifted and relaid some of the paving that was in the tunnel, and constructed a new raised bed.

Plotholders now therefore have covered space to work in when it’s raining or cold outside and a level surface for a table and chairs.

More than half the polytunnel is retained for planting donated tomatoes, chillies and other greenhouse plants which are cropped and donated to local food banks and community kitchens.

Construction

Outside, again with the help of volunteers from Turner and Townsend, we constructed long raised beds using reclaimed timber from Emerge, and filled them using the topsoil scraped off the plot and some compost donated by Bradley Fold Allotment Society.

The beds are of varying heights to accommodate the different needs of the users.

Other projects:

• We have constructed a huge shared compost heap and have provided a shared shed for the plotholders.
• We have purchased and constructed a picnic table with space for wheelchair
  user and some raised trug beds outside.
• A turning area and disabled parking area has been constructed near the Community Access plot.

Future projects

Plans are underway to provide beds for perennial plants and fruit bushes which cannot be planted in the raised beds.

There will also be a shared line of cordon apple trees which can be cropped by the plot holders, with surplus donated to food banks.

Water has been piped onto the plot into the polytunnel and to a tap near the shed so the plot holders have easy access to water.

Inauguration

Most of the work was complete by June 2024, and it was formally opened at a small ceremony and party by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Andrews².

All beds are now allocated to allotment society members, but if any member wishes to join the waiting list to move to a bed on the Community Access plot, please contact the Membership Secretary.

Funding and donations

• 1 tonne reclaimed stone as base for hard paving – Mr Nick McIver, Oak Building Ltd, 2024
• 1 tonne compost for polytunnel raised beds – Suez recycling, yearly donation
• Time and labour in planning and delivering – Nick Walker of Barnes Walker Ltd, Landscape Architects
• 40+ days labour Turner and Townsend volunteers – there is an ongoing engagement and more volunteers will help maintain the plot, painting the beds and shed, and keeping it all in good order
• Sourcing and specifying reclaimed timber from Emerge Recycling – Stephen Rennie
• £4000 grant for the first phases of the project from WeLoveMCR charity – the Lord Mayor’s Charity, Spring 2024
• £1500 grant from Neighbourhood Investment Fund (NIF) – Manchester City Council, Spring 2024
• £1500 from Tesco Stronger Starts scheme awarded in 2024 after a public vote in local Tesco stores
• £1500 from Didsbury Open Gardens, Summer 2024
• Free bedding plants and herbs and fruit trees from Manchester City Council NW in Bloom, donated on a yearly basis as part of NW in Bloom.

1. Definition of Hoggin ↩︎
2. Who is Paul Andrews? ↩︎