Maurice Patton, a fifth generation farmer based one mile outside Newtownards in County Down, Northern Ireland, took over his family’s mixed vegetable and potato farm in 1977.

Like many within the farming community, Maurice decided to diversify in 1984 and opened his first farm shop which was swiftly followed by a second in 1989. Maurice provided a range of home grown produce as well as supplying wholesale markets in Belfast. Sadly, within ten years, indomitable competition from the ever growing number of multiples forced Maurice to close his farm shops and ceased crop growing entirely.

It was in response to this situation that Maurice decided to diversify for a second time, by transforming some of his land into private gardening allotments: “This idea appealed to me because it offered an alternative form of employment while maintaining the environmental integrity of the land. We conducted intense market research into the viability of the  project, as well as determining various target audiences to actively market,” explained Maurice.

In 2005, Maurice launched Ards Allotments on his farm land and currently leases 25 plots on a 10 acre field and plans to increase availability to 100+ allotments over the next 4-5 years. Plot owners include retired people, young parents and their families and professional gardeners.  

“Many young professionals and young families are taking an avid interest in renting allotment space to grow their own vegetables and unwind by reconnecting with nature. The growing number of young school children who are genuinely interested in becoming green fingered is really encouraging. We even have grandparents who are actively encouraging their grandchildren in growing their own produce on their own allotments,” concludes Maurice.

Maurice Patton
www.ardsallotments.com