Allotments providing a source of sustainable food
An increasing awareness about the food we eat and how it is grown is one reason why people may wish to have an allotment. Also increasing food prices and the uncertain economic times we find ourselves in mean allotments make sense. Environmental benefits are achieved through providing a local source of food which doesn’t have excessive food miles; it is also often free from chemicals and isn’t genetically modified. As far as growing your own food, anything goes, if you purchase a good gardening book, buy your seeds, and follow the instructions of when to sow, you can then reap the rewards come harvest time. It is possible on a standard sized allotment to provide a family of 4 with fruit and vegetables for a year.
Healthy Allotments
Allotments offer an individual or family healthy physical recreation. The therapeutic value of gardening is being recognised, and GPs in some areas are prescribing it as a treatment for stress. Given the increasing sprawl of urbanisation an opportunity for quiet relaxation, enjoyment and exercise such as that offered by allotment gardening is to continue to become increasingly important and popular.
Useful Links:
National Society of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners http://www.nsalg.org.uk/
Allotments 4 All Internet Forum
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/