Fancy an Allotment?
If you are toying with the idea of acquiring your own allotment plot and live in Crowborough, you are fortunate indeed, for here it is possible to grow your own without spending years on a waiting list first. A few years ago, unable to meet demand for its two existing allotment sites, Crowborough Town Council created a completely new site just outside the town, which is capable of being expanded as necessary and thereby doing away with waiting lists.
In its four year history, Owlsbury Allotments have already been expanded once to encompass over 250 plots on previous farmland on the Hadlow Down Road, about half a mile out of Jarvis Brook. The site is protected by a rabbit- and deer-proof fence and has a sizeable carpark, composting toilet and plenty of water points. Standard plots are 10m x 4m in size, which suit most people, and cost £27 per year. Those with more time, skill and dedication, however, may rent more than one plot (some people have three or four!) and there are also a handful of super-sized plots (10m x 16m). Complete beginners who want to find out what vegetable growing is all about can choose to experiment with a half plot (5m x 4m) and later graduate to something bigger. Half plots also suit people with very little time but who really want to grow something.
Like the other two allotment sites, Herne and Pilmer, Owlsbury has its own allotment tenants’ society, run by tenants for the benefit of tenants. Membership is optional for a nominal sum per year and provides discounts negotiated with gardening retailers, social get-togethers such as the summer barbecue and bonfire night party, bulk-bought manure from local farmers, use of communal machinery, advice and mentoring.
If you prefer the idea of having a plot at the Herne or Pilmer sites but want to get started straight away, consider putting your name down on the waiting lists for one or both of these sites (up to a two-year wait) and taking a plot at Owlsbury in the meantime. You can always transfer once your name is at the top of the list!
Having an allotment does bring with it some responsibilities, however, the most onerous of which is that you actually cultivate your plot! After all, how would you feel if your pristine plot was next to another with waist-high weeds whose seeds threatened to engulf your precious vegetables?
Bear in mind that successful veg growing is largely down to committing a fair bit of time to it on a regular basis. A few hours every weekend or spread over several days (or evenings) a week, regardless of weather, should see you well on your way; commitment is key.
So, in the hope that summer really is just around the corner, why not put consider applying for a plot at Owlsbury? The allotment season started on 1st April but, if you hurry, you will still be able to make the most of this year’s growing season. Apart from the extra exercise, fresh air and fresh produce you can also look forward to meeting new, likeminded people in the Owlsbury community.
For more information visit the Crowborough Town Council website: www.crowboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk or the Owlsbury Allotment website: www.owlsburycommunity.org or phone or call in to Crowborough Town Hall.
To apply for a plot at Owlsbury or to put your name on the waiting lists for the Herne or Pilmer allotment sites, either complete the application form on the Town Council website, phone the Town Hall (01892 652907) or visit the Town Hall in person.
Happy digging!
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