Record Numbers at Northfields Allotments Open Day

Part of the green community site could be lost to development

A beautiful sunny day saw record numbers attending Northfields Allotments Open Day on Saturday ( 1st July).

Over 700 visitors from across Ealing came through the gates to experience London’s oldest allotment site which dates back to 1832.

Attractions included the onsite apiary where the bees produce Northfields Allotments honey; a heritage plot with a World War II Anderson shelter; a wildlife-friendly shed made from recycled materials; and a traditional potager plot. In addition, there were cake and plant stalls and the Apple Tree Bar where visitors could enjoy an elderflower champagne cocktail beneath the shade of the old apple tree.

Labour MP Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, handed out awards to plotholders at the annual allotment prize-giving, and local Conservative and Labour councillors also dropped by.

Christina Fox, chairman of the Ealing Dean Allotment Society, said: “We are delighted that so many people were able to join us for our third Summer Open Day and experience a genuine part of the capital’s history. As plotholders, we feel really fortunate to have access to the allotment site which is why we believe it is so important to share the many benefits that we enjoy with the wider Ealing community.

“Northfields Allotments is an important historic site dating back almost two centuries and a vital part of Ealing’s natural heritage. We are devastated that the landlord Pathways intends to build on the site. Our Open Day again demonstrated that the wider community in Ealing also derives great value from the allotments and would be very sad to lose any part of this vital green space.”

The plotholders at Northfields Allotments would also like to thank everybody who attended, as well as the many Ealing-based businesses who supported the event.

Further information about Northfields Allotments is available at: http://www.ealingdean.co.uk/

3rd July 2017