This past week, Derby County Community Trust celebrated National Allotment Week by shining a light on their two Allotment plots, Little Chester and Sinfin Moor. 

DCCT shared a week’s worth of content across their social channels, with the aim to raise awareness of the plots alongside showcasing what takes place day to day. 

Popular uploaded included the Live IT children (participants from our child weight management programme) working together to update the scarecrow with paper machete and a fresh Derby County football kit, a tour around Little Chester and sharing frequently asked questions answered by regular participants. 

Health team members and allotment staff, Lee Fearnley, Luke Wilkinson and Lucas Carter work hard to maintain the allotments alongside their team of volunteers from their weekly working groups, welcoming 6 per week. 

Together, the team have grown over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables and over 20 different types of flower. 

Alongside this, Little Chester welcomes pain management and Live IT sessions, giving participants from other programmes an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 

The produce grown at the allotments is picked by participants and donated to local food banks along with donating to Just Ice – an organisation that use the ingredients to make homemade ice cream. They donate a percentage of their profits to charities who work to prevent modern day slavery within out country. 

The allotment plots impact a number of people, in a number of ways. 

A participant of the Sinfin Moor location shared their experience:

“I began working at the allotment after my husband passed away from battling Alzheimer’s. I have always loved gardening and since joining the working group, i have gained so many friendships. We are a happy bunch who have become very good friends. When we arrive, we start by consulting the list, finding the tools and catching up with each other. Afterwards, we enjoy Estelle’s cup of tea and Lucas’ quiz… what’s not to enjoy!” 

The allotment is supported by Seven Trent Community Fund and encourage those who are interested to contact the DCCT office on 01332 416140 to join them.