Ireland: A real growth industry: Popularity of allotments soars
Popularity of allotments soars as wily residents seize chance to grow own food on shoestring
By Jade Beecroft
Belfast Telegraph
August 15 2022
Excerpt:
Mick says the allotments have a waiting list, with enquiries tending to go up when there’s an economic downturn.
“To rent an allotment is only £36 a year. You can grow a huge amount — the only rule is that they must be used. They can’t just let them go to weeds,” he explains.
“At the moment, money really is tight, so people are finding growing their own vegetables very valuable.
“You can work with the seasons and grow all year round, providing for your family.”
Although the National Trust owns the plot, it is run by the very proactive Minnowburn Community Allotment Association, which organises regular events and workshops.
Tomasz Ciesielski is acting chairman of the association. He says: “We try to be mindful of people’s different needs. Some people come to their allotments to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet and be in nature. Others enjoy the social aspect and some like a bit of both.
“Before Covid, we had a very active social calendar, with things like barbecues, Easter egg hunts, parties and a Christmas raffle.
“We have a big shared outdoor space and we’ve done things like pizza oven nights. We are starting to bring those events back now, but we’re mindful that some of our members are more vulnerable than others.
