Community Groups Going Green

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has issued a call to local community groups to consider the benefits of outdoor life by taking an allotment.

The Council’s Allotment Services dedicates a number of plots to group use - and while there are a limited number available in Eden and in Greenisland – the Mayor, Councillor Billy Ashe, has urged them to look at the many positive outcomes. He said: “Benefits include exercise and a healthier lifestyle, fresh air, peace and quiet and of course the opportunity to meet new friends. As well as having the satisfaction from learning new skills and seeing results of hard work, allotment tenants also end up – hopefully - eating their own fresh and organic produce.”

Annette Gibney, a volunteer with Women’s Aid Carrickfergus, said: “Being part of our community plot at Eden Allotment Gardens, I know that the allotment is very beneficial to our families to provide a social gathering and a safe place to encourage health and well-being. We are no Monty Don’s but through trial and error we are learning and are planning a ‘bangers and mash’ day. The mash will be made with potatoes and scallions grown on our very own plot!”

Austin Heron, Secretary of the Carrickfergus Community Cultivators, said: “Having a community plot at Eden Allotment Gardens has allowed the group to make new friends and socialise with others who enjoy a similar pastime. We have been able to grow a range of fruit and vegetables, which saves money on the food bill, and we get a great sense of well-being and satisfaction from learning new skills and growing our own. It’s also important to remember that allotments are extremely beneficial to the environment – they are sustainable and wonderful sites for biodiversity.”

There is some availability at both Eden and Greenisland Allotment Gardens. Group representatives are asked to visit the website and complete an application form 

Alison Diver, Growing Communities Officer, with the Carrickfergus Community Cultivators at Eden Allotment Gardens