Over one hundred flock to Dalbeattie Community Allotments for open day
The event has generated a noticeable increase in demand for plots
Last updated 18th Jul 2023
Dalbeattie Community Allotments saw 130 visitors pass through the gates on Sunday the 16th of July, for an open day run in partnership with Scotland’s Garden Scheme.
With open days taking place just once every two years, those involved say Sunday was a much anticipated event.
Refreshments , as well as vegetable and plant stalls were all on offer throughout the afternoon, with donations and entry fees raising over £700.
It's been an exciting time for those involved
Telling us about the build up and day itself, Chairperson of the Dalbeattie Community Allotments Association Sandra McWhirter said: “It’s been quite exciting, a lot of our members and plot holders have been really good at donating some of their produce.
“Committee meetings have always been pretty well attended. Ideas are openly discussed, and decisions taken as to what we think best practise and the best way forward is.”
Dalbeattie Allotments first opened in 2010, with an increase in plot numbers following significant success.
Following the open day on Sunday, it's understood committee members were inundated with questions about how to sign up.
Speaking on the importance of the allotments to the town, Sandra said: “It’s very important community wise, it brings a lot of people together you wouldn’t normally meet.
“It also gives people the opportunity to be part of it, maybe you stay on your own, so it’s good for your mental wellbeing as well as your own health.”
Sandra says the importance of a nature based hobby is not to be underestimated:
“As a GP once said, it’s Gods own gym”
The allotments also provide an opportunity to make sustainable choices:
“This is the first year that we have been able to have a compost area, normally we’d take everything off site and it would be disposed of, but we’ve started to do our own compost.
“We’re not allowed any insecticides, everything’s as natural as we can make it and I think that’s good for the environment.”
Anyone interested in owning an allotment is encouraged to get in touch directly with Dalbeattie Community Allotments Association.