We took over Plot 124 at The Poors Allotments in North Leatherhead a few years ago. The aim was to provide an environment for local people to experience work outside.
Starting with an overgrown plot, we cleared and prepared the ground and built our first shed. More recently with financial help from Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) and other local organisations, we’ve added a learning cabin, raised beds for people who find it difficult to bend down and a greenhouse.
We’ve welcomed a wide variety of people to the allotment including
- Local people with physical or mental health challenges.
- People referred by local GPs through social prescribing.
- Employees from local organisations including Aviva, MVDC, Kier and B&Q.
- Local school pupils including Duke of Edinburgh Award students from St John’s and Therfield’s eco group.
As well as providing invaluable help, they have enjoyed their time working outside at worthwhile activities and gained employment skills. We have opened their eyes to the possibilities of work outside, not necessarily growing produce but also as river rangers, park wardens and at golf clubs and gardens.
The produce from the allotment is used locally by the Leatherhead Community Hub (LCH) café and by the local Community Fridge.
We’re now looking to build on this by developing an active training unit so that local young people can gain the skills needed to access these jobs locally.
