How Allotment Owners Can Make a Difference
Allotment owners across the United Kingdom play a huge part in our local economy and in our fight against climate change. National Allotment week is a week dedicated to sharing the significance and appreciation for local allotment owners. An allotment is a plot of land rented by an individual, typically from a local authority, for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
This year the week takes place between the 12th and the 18th of August, The national allotment society launched the week in 2002, meaning 2024 marks the 22nd year of national allotment week.
Biodiversity
This year the theme for the week Is biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living organisms, including different species, genetic variations, and ecosystems, found in a particular region or the entire planet. It is threatened due to climate change and pollution.
Britain is one of the most nature depleted countries in Europe and to reflect the urgent nature of this work, an ecological emergency was declared by Durham’s cabinet on the 6 April 2022. Whilst significantly threatened by climate change, nature within County Durham is a vital part of the solution to it; when healthy, nature can prevent flooding, cool environments, and store carbon to mitigate further climate change.
The theme brings awareness of the problems we face to allotment owners, fuelling them with the benefits of biodiversity and how they can make the effort to help the cause. Allotments can be one step in resolving this problem as local gardening supports pollinators like bees and provides habitats for insects and wildlife.
The Importance of Allotments and The National Week
The week is all about celebrating these green spaces and the benefits they have for our health, our well-being, and the planet. Allotments are acknowledged by Natural England as an important part of the UK’s ‘Green Infrastructure’, a network of crucial green spaces that support wildlife, improve air quality, promote health, and mitigate carbon emissions.
Allotments can make a fun hobby to take up by yourself or with your family. Owning an allotment can also benefit biodiversity by providing habitats for various species and encouraging the growth of diverse plants. In more recent times, allotments have vastly increased in popularity, driven by a greater awareness of sustainability and the many health benefits, as well as the financial and social advantages they offer.
And you don’t have to own an allotment to get involved. You can create a green space in your garden or even in your yard with a few pots and a selection of your favourite plants, herbs, fruits, and veggies. For more information on gardening and its benefits, check out our previous article ‘Find your green fingers this summer’.
National allotment week is a fun reminder of how important local gardening really is. And you don’t have to own an allotment to get involved.
