About the association and the allotments
Our members all share a passion for growing and spending time outdoors
Our Members
Our members are a diverse group of people who all share a common purpose of growing their own food. However they all have different ideas of what their allotment should be.
Some plots are ‘perfect’ and weed free, others a little more wild. Some members swear by the no-dig principle; some work to the old tradition of double digging. Some grow organically; some still need a little help from chemicals. Many members have built raised beds, erected greenhouses and of course the essential shed in an assortment of styles.
It is this diversity that brings vibrancy to our association.
The Association and it’s Members
The Association promotes sustainable growing and encourages the members to use environmentally responsible growing methods .
There is no mains water supply to the site but that is not usually a problem. The association can obtain 1000 litre water tanks at a competitive price and most plots and some of the communal areas are set up with water harvesting providing ample water throughout the season.
The soil is our most important resource. The association sources supplies of soil conditioners such as green waste, recycled coir compost, manure and wood chips and this is available to members at extremely competitive prices.
A newsletter is e-mailed to members about four times a year with lots of useful information, keeping members informed about what’s been happening behind the scenes, growing and recipe tips.
The Association and the Natural Environment
Visit our site and you will be amazed at the wildlife that you will see. Our wildlife officer works tirelessly with some help from our members to maintain the public ares of the site, with wildlife the priority. The hedges and trees are teeming with birds, the hedgerows and grass areas are abundant with flowers which encourage pollinating insects so essential for our crops.
There are two ponds on the site which attract frogs, toads newts as well as many aquatic insects.
Some areas are set aside as wild areas.
Photo by William Lambourne
The Association and the Wider Community
Ledbury Allotment Association is keen to work with the wider community to fulfil their objectives which are set out in their constitution.
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We have worked with local schools and children's groups to educate the next generation in growing fruit and vegetables. Over the years projects have included:
helping schools set up gardens and vegetable plots
funding relevant school trips
grants for tools and gardening equipment
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We have arranged informative talks on a range of subjects including compost making, bee keeping and how Terry Walton (Radio 2 Allotment holder expert) makes the most of his allotment.
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We actively assist less physically able plot holders by improving accessibility to their plots as well as offering some financial support towards their rent if required.
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Our trustees have spoken to local groups
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Our aim is to play an active role in the local community promoting the benefits of home grown food, regardless of age, health or ability. We welcome suggestions from local residents and societies who share this aim and may appreciate collaborative support in reaching this goal
Our association is co-ordinated and managed by the following members:
Trustee / Chair / Plot Allocation/ Data Controller: Celia Smith
Trustee / Treasurer: Richard Nightingale
Trustee: Carl Barnes
Trustee: Nick Bury
Trustee / Secretary: Isobel Gibson
Trustee / Newsletter Editor/ Data Processor: Penny Fountaine
Trustee: Steve Parker
Trustee: Marian Grendel
Our gallery
Setting out the First plots - 2008
Setting out the Mini-Plots
Black Sexton Beetle - photo by William Lambourne
Our Resident Barn Owl
Baby Barn Owl - Photo by William Lambourne
Photo by Alban McAteer
Photo by Linda davis
Slow worm - Photo by Linda Davies
Our own beekeepers - Photo by Linda Davies
Saving the swarm - Photo by Linda
Inspiring Young Gardeners at Queenswood School Ledbury
Information Centre under Construction
Our Compost toilet - installed 2019
Our Winning Float - Ledbury Carnival 2018
Ledbury carnival 2018
Judging for the Best Kept plot Competition
Photo by Linda Davies