The 1.5 hectare area of land at the Ley Farm allotment site is located down a steep slope next to the river and was so extensively overgrown and boggy that it had become totally unsuitable for allotments long ago. However, the land has now been given a new lease of life after being taken over by Growing Wild, a Baxenden based community group, who are using the site for environmental education, forest school activities and food growing.
A series of paths and access points are being installed to improve access to the site for anyone with mobility issues and parents with young children. This work is being carried out with the support of Bootstrap, through the Department of Work and Pensions funded work experience placements.
A lottery application is also being prepared for an outdoor classroom and composting toilet facilities, so that the site can be used throughout the year.
Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Allotments, said: “It’s fantastic to see what improvements the Bootstrap team have made in such a short space of time, whilst gaining valuable work experience. The future aim is for the site to be used by families from across Hyndburn as an outdoor learning resource for the environment and food growing. Getting mucky and learning to grow outdoors is a great way for children to spend their time and Growing Wild is doing some great work there to make this possible. This project is close to my heart and I hope to spend more time up here to see how things are going.”
Mark Harling, Bootstrap Manager, said; "The partnership with Hyndburn Council is providing extremely valuable work experience, the participants are using the experience to make job applications, at interview, and to gain employment”.
Kate Mason, Chairperson, and Growing Wild, said: “The work being carried out by Bootstrap is fantastic and will allow access for those less able, including very young toddlers and anyone with mobility difficulties. We have a Growing Wild Facebook Page where I post photographs of the progress; there are many followers praising the Bootstrap work”.
Funding for the work has largely come through Bootstrap; however additional funding to cover the cost of wood and other materials work is from Baxenden Area Council and Hyndburn Council. Funding for Growing Wild itself has come from Lancashire County Council, Asda Rawtenstall, the Windfall Grant, managed by the Prospects Foundation, with further support by volunteers from the Princes Trust who have helped build a wildlife friendly bug hotel and fire pit for Forest School activities. The Free Masons East Lancashire will be funding a polytunnel for food growing.
For more information about allotments, please contact the Council on 01254 388111.
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