Why not try having your own allotment in 2021? You can grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables while getting your daily exercise at one of North East Lincolnshire Council’s allotment sites.
People across the country have found their new lockdown love for allotments during the pandemic using their time outdoors as a safe way to source their own essential produce, as well as getting in their daily dose of outdoor exercise.
During the current lockdown, Government guidance states that allotments remain open, but you cannot meet with someone outside your household or support bubble, unless another exemption applies. You must stay two metres apart from anyone outside of your household or support bubble. Guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home.
Why take up an allotment plot?
- Improve your mental and physical health and wellbeing
- Grow your own fruit and vegetables
- Meet new people and make new friends at a social distance
- Opportunity to relax and unwind
- A way to enjoy the outdoors
Having an allotment plot can also help to reduce pressure on supermarkets and other essential providers, as well as support local wildlife and help you to connect with nature.
Local plot holder Elaine Kitchen said: “When I open the gates to the allotment, I go into another world where nature takes over. On our plots, we cultivate new life in the form of vegetables, fruit, flowers and trees and around the site is the birth of deer, fox cubs, wild birds, hedgehogs, pheasants, ferrets and more. You realise that there is life, new life, after this dreadful virus. The allotment is my sanctuary.”
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “Having an allotment is a great way to break up the day by getting out of the house and unwinding while keeping active.
“Not only are there great health benefits to having an allotment, but it’s a great way to pass time that allows you to get creative and gain a sense of achievement. For anyone who may be struggling to find something to do during lockdown, and would like a new project, an allotment is a great choice.”
The allotment service is managed by North East Lincolnshire Council’s regeneration partner, ENGIE.
There are vacancies at:
- Carr Lane Allotments, Cleethorpes – entrance off Lestrange Street and Beeley Road
- Peaksfield Allotments, Grimsby – entrance off Weelsby Avenue
- Winchester Allotments, Grimsby – entrance off Laceby Road
For more information about taking on an allotment plot, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/allotments, email [email protected] or call (01472) 324646 option 4.
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