Falcon allotment awarded ‘Thriving’ Title thanks to dedicated volunteer.

Last week, we were awarded a Level 4 certificate of Thriving from The Royal Horticulture Society, East Midlands in Bloom for our allotment project, based in Ingle Pringle Allotments in Loughborough.

Along with the certificate we we also received a voucher which will be spent on seeds to plant next years produce. The certificate and voucher were accepted on our behalf by Janet, our lead volunteer at the allotment. Janet volunteers at the allotment every day, monitoring and maintaining the thriving of our produce and plants.

We achieved high marks in the grading of Community Participation, Environmental responsibility, and Gardening. We have various planters and crop protections, made from recycled materials and plant pollinator friendly plants as part of our commitment to be environmentally responsible.

We grow a variety of crops at the allotment. The assessor especially noted how well organised and tidy the plot is, reflective of the hard work that our volunteers like Janet put into it.

At the time of the assessment the plots were brimming with very healthy; tomatoes; cucumbers; watermelon; courgettes; brassicas; beetroot; rhubarb; raspberries; strawberries; beans; potatoes and sweet corn.

The allotment is a volunteer and user-led project where people can take part in construction projects, relax, socialise, and of course grow vegetables. The produce grown at the allotment is donated to residents and those in need. Janet is hoping to organise yard sales in the future selling produce to raise funds for Falcon Support Services.

Spending time in green spaces has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, as well as the act of gardening and tending to the crops being good for physical health too. Growing crops from seeds gives a huge sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

We first took on the allotment in 2019 and have since transformed the space. We have indoor growing spaces so we can keep dry while gardening, an area to make our own compost and a brick-built barbeque.

The allotment relies on donations to keep running but there are other ways you can help too! We are always keen for volunteers to join in with the efforts at the allotment.

If you are a keen gardener or are interested in getting involved, contact us to inquire about volunteering!