England’s National Trust creates 1,000 new allotment plots

October 1942: Champion gardener 89 year old John Hall carries a pile of his prize winning vegetables, at his allotment at Foots Cray. Photo by Reg Speller

Trust helps fuel grow your own revolution

February, 2009
The initiative comes as demand for growing spaces is at an all time high – with more than 100,000 people currently on allotment waiting lists – as people look to spend more time with friends or family, exercising in the outdoor ‘gym’ and enjoying the fresh food they can produce.

It has been estimated that these new growing spaces could produce up to around 2.6 million lettuces per year, 50,000 sacks of potatoes or, alternatively, mixed produce worth up to an estimated £ 1.5 million.

‘There’s something in the air. More and more people want to grow their own fruit and vegetables. This isn’t just about saving money – it’s really satisfying to sow seeds and harvest the fruit and veg of your labour. By creating new growing spaces the National Trust can help people to start growing for the first time.’

See the complete story here. Also listen to the Director General’s announcement.