GONE are the days of allotments attracting solely the green-fingered among us; allotments are now celebrated as a diverse social experience with endless benefits, and National Allotments Week held from August 12-18, is an ideal opportunity to spread the word.

Allotments have been in existence for hundreds of years, though today, with our economic uncertainly on a global scale, the desire for more space to grow low cost food locally and experience life’s simple pleasures has reignited the call for more allotments. There is currently over 330,000 allotment plots in the UK but a further 90,000 plots are needed to meet the increasing demand.

Whilst allotments provide an area to practice gardening skills, they also provide an opportunity to socialise, gather our thoughts, get some fresh air and even some Vitamin D if we are lucky!

Although the physical benefits of gardening are well known, such as helping to maintain good gait and balance, the role that gardening plays in preventing and alleviating mental ill-health and reducing cognitive decline is often overlooked.

There are many opportunities locally, including Age UK South Lakeland’s Allotment Group which meets at our allotment in Kendal every Thursday morning; all are welcome with tasks ranging from planting seeds, gentle weeding or simply observing and imparting valuable knowledge.

For those of us who have access to an allotment, this National Allotment Week we are urging people to donate their surplus produce to local food banks and food sharing schemes to ensure the benefits of Allotments are felt far and wide. Please call us on 030 300 30003 for further information.