Community allotments open in Plympton

A new community allotment site has been officially opened on the grounds of Saltram House near Plympton.

The land from the National Trust run country-estate was developed as part a scheme to encourage local communities to grow their own food. The scheme has created over 1000 community allotments on land across the UK.

The development, which is comprised of 46 plots of various sizes, has been designed to minimise the environmental and visual impact to the local area and the stately home itself.

Carol Murrin, property Manager at Saltram House said: “Conservation comes in many forms and includes the sustainable use of land in addition to preserving important wildlife habitats and historic buildings.

“We are really please to support the scheme which encourages healthy eating and, in a small way, reduces food miles and reconnects communities to the land.”

The allotments, which began planting last March, were opened by Plympton Councillor Terri Beer and Gary Streeter MP, marking the end of a two process from the project’s inception.

Staff from Saltram House worked with the neighbouring residents and local neighbourhoods throughout the scheme to ensure community support.

The site is run by the Saltram Community Allotment Association with support of National Trust staff and has already filled all its plots with keen allotment holders from the local community.

The association chairman, Graham Baker said: “Community support for the scheme has been very positive. I, for one, have always wanted to grow my own vegetables and the allotments are within walking distance of my house”

Despite the popularity of allotments, which have a waiting list for places, there are no plans to extend the development as the surrounding land is designated as historic parkland.

However there are plans to construct a shed on the existing site which is covered under the current planning permission.

The allotment also contains a small community orchard which Gary Streeter commemorated by planting a Plymouth Pear tree as its first crop.