17.9.18 11am-1pm

Background

One of our areas discovered/identified is a disused allotment situated in the centre of a residential area at the rear of Park road north, Chester Le Street, County Durham.

This area had been previously owned, loved and tended to by an elderly gentleman who has now sadly passed away. The area is a mix of wild growing flowers and shrubs, fruit trees and bushes, raised vegetable growing beds, hedgerows, shed and a greenhouse. A large area to work with has repeatedly discouraged others from adopting this area and conserving it, therefore it has been left unattended for a considerable amount of time.

Abundant with wildlife including many insects, birds and rodents this area has become very overgrown and deemed unmanageable by others. Our group under the supervision, guidance and assistance of DAAC have volunteered to conserve and maintain this area in a joint project with local schools taking part in their outdoor based programmes.

This will include litter picks, ground clearance as shrubs die away during the winter period. Creation of pathways, Hedge maintenance, raised bed clearance and planting, fruit tree and bush maintenance, creation and maintenance of lawns, seating areas and wildlife viewing posts, sensory garden area and clearance use of greenhouse.

It is planned to utilise this area in the future for local schools/DAAC to utilise this area to achieve qualifications in horticulture skills using raised beds, greenhouse etc.