Shaw Trust, the national charity which provides training and work opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people, has already successfully developed two community gardens at Tisbury and Mere in Wiltshire.

Following on from this success, and with continuing financial support from the Big Lottery Fund, the third one at Hindon was officially opened on 1 February 2007.

With the support of the parish council, who own the Hindon allotments, Shaw Trust clients and local volunteers were given two disused plots to make a community garden for growing soft fruits, herbs and vegetables.

The three allotment sites are within a six mile radius of each other, yet each one has its own distinctive characteristics, which stretch far beyond matters just horticultural. For example, Hindon has a recent water supply, yet nothing at Mere. Tisbury slopes north, Hindon south, Mere east. There’s a waiting list at Mere, yet plenty of plots available at Tisbury. You can have a shed at Mere but not Hindon. Chickens are allowed at Hindon but not Tisbury. Fascinating, even before putting in a single seed.

Ultimately, the three sites depend on grant money, which cannot go on forever, then it will be down solely to the enthusiasm, or not, of the local communities to continue with the idea of working community gardens on allotments.

Steve Kemp
Shaw Trust Horticulture