Northfields' Allotments Open Day

Saturday 15th August 2015

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Northfields Allotment with St John’s Church in the background

www.ealingdean.co.uk

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Northfields Allotments is holding its first ever open day this Saturday 15th August 2015,( 2-5pm). Entrance is free.

The allotment committee thought it was about time they opened the gates and let more people see the allotments, at the top of Northfield Avenue, having been founded in 1832. You’ll see butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and possibly a green woodpecker. The site is full of greenery and wildlife.

Christina Fox, Chair of the Ealing Dean Allotment Society (EDAS) said:

“We are really excited about opening the gates to local residents. It is a chance for them to step inside the gardens for the first time. Something usually only plot holders get to do. If you have only seen the allotments from the bus you’ll be surprised how beautiful it is once inside. It is a bit like a Tardis – it may look small on the outside but it seems bigger and full of interesting things on the inside.”

The allotments are managed by a committee of plot holders.

She continued: “Since we took over in January 2014, we have been working hard to ensure all our plots are rented and that maintenance tasks are being done. Northfields is still very much a work in progress, but the site is improving and people are starting to notice the difference. We also have some special projects. This year we repaired and reinstated an old Anderson air raid shelter, which might bring back memories for some of our older visitors. Plus, our big project is cleaning up and enhancing the ancient hedgerow which encloses the site and the Radbourne Walk (the path beside the allotments, which EDAS has also been restoring) as a wildlife refuge for many birds and bugs – especially our stag beetles, which are an endangered and protected species.”

There are beehives on site and Tom the beekeeper will have a demonstration hive and will be selling honey. Of course a visit to a garden isn’t complete without some tea and cake too. If all this inspires you to get gardening there will be plants for sale and all proceeds will go to the hedgerow restoration fund.''

Activities on offer are:

Bee Hives  - with viewing panel

Guided Walk at 3pm - History and allotment features

W2 Anderson air raid shelter and heritage vegetable garden

teas, coffee and cakes

Vintage tool display

plants for sale

lot Awards - Best Newcomer, Best Traditional Plot, and visitors will be able to vote for their favourite plot.

Gates open from 2pm to 5pm, as part of National Allotments Week, which runs from the 10th to the 16th August.

“We hope you will come along to see what is normally hidden behind our locked gates. We’d love to see you there and show you around,” said Fox.

The allotments are in Northfield Avenue (between Mattock Lane and Occupation Road).

Entrance is via the main double gate on Northfield Avenue - close to the two bus stops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12th August 2015