Community Growing
In 2023, New Leaf received confirmation that an allotment plot had become available. We were able to choose a blank canvas of a plot, which, with a bit of landscaping and plenty of organic matter added, we have now been able to cultivate.
The plot is registered with the nationwide (and worldwide) Incredible Edible network, whose vision is to ‘create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food’. One of the central objectives is to help contributors see that when we act together each of us is stronger for it.
Our community growing project first took root in the autumn of 2022 when the cost of living crisis really began to bite – so one of the motivations for helping residents learn how to grow their own is the cost saving benefit. If there is surplus produce New Leaf will look to support local food banks.
In time the group we hope to explore ‘green social prescribing’, which is the practice of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health.
Produce grown on the plot is cultivated organically, without pesticides or fertilisers, and using Charles Dowding’s ‘No Dig’ method, which preserves soil integrity and allows carbon to remain locked into the ground. This involves arranging cardboard on the ground and layering organic matter on top, which is then planted into.
2024 was an experimental year for the plot, finding out what works in terms of growing methods, layout and crop choices. The plot and the charity are powered entirely by volunteers, who have made incredible progress rebuilding and painting a shed kindly donated by the Allotment Society, creating spaces for water butts and seating, preparing the ground for crops, starting the sowing and planting process, erecting a brassica frame built by Alresford Men’s Shed, and most recently installing a secondhand greenhouse, purchased with funding from Winchester Round Table.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer on the plot. Whether you would like to offer your experience and advice or join in to learn how to grow; whether you can water crops and carry heavy loads or would prefer to start seeds off at home; whether you want to get your hands dirty or just chat about growing veg, you are invited to take part. If you would like to volunteer, please email enquiries@newleafalresford.org You will be invited to join our WhatsApp group for communication.
