Dobson Lane Allotments
Promoting the production and consumption of seasonal, local and organic food.
What is it?
Dobson Lane is a residential road in Whitnash with a large area of scrubland at the end of it that was once allotments. Action 21 worked with Whitnash Town Council and other agencies to stop the land being built on. With the aim of giving Whitnash Town back their allotments Action 21 then took on the lease.
In July 2009 we employed project Manager Louise Male to turn this wasteland into allotments. Louise plans to have the allotments ready by spring 2010.
Dobson Lane Allotments will promote the production and consumption of seasonal, local and organic food.
What has been done?
Louise has designed the site. There will be 22 large plots, 15 medium plots and 3 mini plots for beginners. In addition to these allotments there will be:
- A high raised bedded area for people with mobility issues
- A compost toilet
- "Nurture Nature" - a wildlife friendly garden and social area
- A wooded area / nature reserve that can be used for educational activities
We are seeking involvement from schools and are pleased that Whitnash Children’s Centre has secured two plots.
See a PDF plan of the allotment or Nurture Nature area.
Who has helped?
Local residents and Action 21 volunteers have cleared large areas of brambles and litter making way for John to help us clear the ground with his tractor and topper. Canalside Community Food are going to help us with the ploughing later on.
Jaguar Land Rover’s purchasing department gave two days of their time to lay a patio area and make attractive hazel fence panels. They used wood, coppiced from the land, to fence around the communal garden area.
Carillion PLC prepared the ground with their digger, laying some foundation stone and supplying materials that were diverted from landfill.
Barclays Bank gave a donation and 30 employees for a day. They laid three brick paths and slabs for benches. Warwick District Council offered us the planters from outside the Spa Centre and Glendale Grounds Management Ltd transported them. Barclays Bank employees put these into place, giving them a new lease of life and transforming the patio area. The communal nurture nature area was planted with wildlife friendly plants.
We would like to say a big thank you to everyone working so hard to make this project happen.
How can you get involved?
We would love volunteers to help either with our regular Friday morning work parties or in maintaining the garden area as a haven for wildlife and people alike.
To apply for an allotment complete the application form and return to Louise@action21.co.uk or Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa, CV32 5HZ. There are approximately 40 allotments of different sizes available, and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Or, to offer to volunteer please email louise@action21.co.uk or phone her on 07733 133481 on Tuesdays or Thursdays.