In late summer 2004 Inroads (a street drugs project operating in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan) took on the tenancy of a plot on "Pontcanna A" allotment site. Our supporters (financial and moral!) include Ty Gobaith (Salvation Army), Voluntary Action Cardiff, the Allotment Regeneration Initiative, BTCV Cardiff, Welsh Council Voluntary Action, BTCV Cymru Cardiff and MIND Cardiff.

By the end of the 2005 season we'd harvested sunflower seeds, runner beans and potatoes (no dig cultivation - excellent for renovating a site) and greenhouse cucumbers. No problem getting hold of manure - thanks to a pony club next door! OK- so it'll be another 2 years at least before our maiden apple trees or our new redcurrant plantation bear fruit. But it'll be well worth the wait! We intend to supply our in- house "alternative therapy" juice bar and some of the local food co-operatives.

In October 2006 Inroads allotment was honoured to be awarded Environment Wales approved status. In July 2007, thanks to Environment Wales – we travelled to the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells Mid Wales, together with our friends from the Riverside Community Allotment Scheme. Inroads was given “space” on the Environment Wales stand. This gave us chance to talk to members of the public – and even Welsh Assembly Government Members (!) 

We have also been very happy to appoint our new Inroads Volunteer Co-ordinator. Inroads has always taken its volunteer programme seriously – indeed several paid members of staff started as volunteers. This post is funded by Wales Council for Voluntary Action.  Inroads volunteers can get involved in all aspects of Inroads work. Potentially this could include Tenant support, drop in, needle exchange, parents group, womens’ group, outreach - and even working on the allotment! Its so gratifying and encouraging to watch volunteer work alongside clients - planting harvesting or just chilln’ out.

We have recently received news that we will have been successful in securing funding from Environment Wales via their Project grant scheme. This will allow us to:

• Protect our soft fruit collection (Strawberries redcurrants) from the ravages of squirrels and pigeons. 
• Plant a wildlife hedge – probably dog wood. 
• We also hope to plant a truffle tree (!) – another potential income generator. 
• Grow our own detox herbs – hops, peppermint and yarrow.

"Contact with the earth is a far surer and safer medicine for a bruised heart than all the sweet poppies and marjoram in the world" Anonymous 19th Century writer 

Kevin Chubb
Diversionary Activities Co-ordinator
InRoads Cardiff