Controversial gardener Monty Don has welcomed the National Trust’s announcement that it will create 1,000 new allotment plots on its land over the next three years as “enlightened”.
The trust’s initiative will allow local communities the space to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
The move has been billed as an opportunity for people to spend more time with family and friends, taking exercise as they garden and enjoying the fresh food they produce. It is also trying to encourage employers to turn over some of their own land to enable employees to produce fruit and vegetables on it.
Don, pictured, has fallen foul of the industry in the past for his action against polytunnel production. He said: “I am delighted that the National Trust is setting an inspirational example by creating an allotment at its headquarters in the heart of London. If every organisation and company did the same, it would transform the health and wellbeing of the nation, as well as significantly contribute to our national food supply. In this time of crisis and chaos, this is exactly the kind of practical, enlightened action that will rebuild and create a better future.”
The National Trust’s new growing spaces will be set up at its properties throughout England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The body will be registered with Landshare, which seeks to team allotment seekers with available land.
Fresh Produce Consortium ceo Nigel Jenney welcomed the trust’s plans, but stressed it is important not to overstate their significance. He said: “Allotments introduce people to the fabulous range of indigenous fresh produce there is. But this is not about saving money or providing food for the nation, it is about the social elements and reducing gym memberships.”
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