On the Ground News from Debbie Mitchell
The allotment site on the Eden Grange estate was officially handed over by Taylor Wimpey to the Parish Council in June 2023. There are 34 plots, with the majority measuring 11x11 metres. They’re available to anyone who lives in Cuddington, Sandiway, and Delamere Park – although there is currently a waiting list.
The 34 plots are run by Cuddington and Sandiway Allotment Association Ltd, which leases the land from the Parish Council. If you would like to join the waiting list for a plot, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Cuddington and Sandiway has enjoyed some steady growth since last summer, at grass roots level. Well, soil level, to be more precise.
Tony Eakins is one of the allotment plot holders and he explained how the site’s developed since it opened.
‘When the site was handed over the plots were covered in weeds. It looked like a prairie scene from a Western film! We had to decide how best to tackle it, whether to put down allowable weedkiller, run a strimmer over it, or get stuck in and just weed the whole plot.
I decided to do a full weeding, which was backbreaking work, but would at least remove a lot of the perennial weeds. I followed up by rotavating, then like other plot holders, I covered the area with weed suppression membrane.
It took a few weeks to complete, and I can recommend using a rotavator for an excellent work out.'
Tony adds it would not be an understatement to say that all the plot holders were complete allotment novices, and when they got talking, they all seemed to have acquired the same allotment book (their ‘bible’) to get them started on their journey.
‘Planning the plot was the next job that we all had to get to grips with and for many it was also a chance to decide where we would like our seating area so we could take advantage of the spectacular view that the site offered. A place to have a glass of wine or a beer after a hard day in the plot.
Having decided where we would put our sheds and greenhouses we could plan where to plant fruit trees and bushes, and whether to go down the raised bed route for crops or plant directly into the ground. I opted for raised beds for ease of cultivations, while others chose a combination of both.’
Tony continues: ‘As we only got access to the site on 17th June ’23 the main aim for many was to get the plot ready for a full growing season in 2024. This, however, did not stop a few of us getting stuck in and we enjoyed a variety of produce in that first year - potatoes, strawberries, radishes, lettuce, runner beans, peas, kale, plus a smattering of flowers.'
Like most things in life, it’s not all been plain sailing. The plot holders have had their challenges. Not least, the British weather.
‘We did have our disasters along the way with the very strong winds causing us the biggest headaches,’ Tony says. ‘Three greenhouses were badly damaged including my own which had panels blow out, the door blown off, and the frame was also bowed on one side. Two sheds were also blown over which was a complete shock, and another was badly damaged. But as a group we have, and always will, rally round to overcome these setbacks.
34 plot holders were randomly thrown together, but it has not taken us very long to form a strong sense of community spirit, helping and supporting each other.’