ABOUT THE ALLOTMENTS

The land upon which Welbeck Road Allotments stand is owned by Erewash Borough Council but has been managed by Welbeck Road Allotments Association since 1991.

Since that time the Association has grown in stature and is still evolving in its role as manager of the site.The benefits of tenants managing the site include; ensuring plots are cultivated, a community spirit, improving the site and promoting an enjoyment of gardening.

Over the years several improvements have been made to the site, and it all started with a hedge!The hedge boundary of the old Derby canal was overgrown allowing entry for thieves and vandals. Outside funding was found for a Hedge-layer; to cut the hedge and train members of the Association in the art of hedge laying. The success of this initial project led to a consultation day in which members of the Association put forward their ideas for future projects.

Since then we have secured further funding and successfully completed a number of projects which have also won awards.

Hazel Coppice

The hazel coppice was planted in 1998. Erewash Borough provided young hazel trees which were planted by local school children. This has now grown into a mature coppice which provides pea-sticks and bean-poles for the site. Also hazel nuts – if you can get there before the squirrels!

Tree Nursery

This was a project in which members of the Association, in conjunction with Groundwork, grafted local apple and pear varieties and rootstocks on provided fruit trees to form the Community Orchard.

This was the first example of a community orchard on an Erewash Allotment site.

This now provides many varieties of apples and pears, and is managed by members of the Association. The tree nursery and community orchard have won Green Watch Awards.

Wildlife Pond

The Erewash Wetlands Project provided funding for the wildlife pond. We transformed a boggy piece of land into a wildlife haven in which frogs, newts and toads breed. It attracts dragonflies and other beneficial insects, even kingfishers have been seen. This project also secured a Green Watch Award.

Community Polytunnel

This project allows tenants to rent a plot in a large polytunnel giving all year round cultivation and the chance to grow a range of more exotic crops, for example; grapevines and figs.

This project was funded by The Shell Better Britain Fund and won first prize of £1000 in the 2005 Green Watch Awards.

Green Watch Awards were given by Derbyshire County Council for outstanding environmental projects