Join community allotment this weekend (From The Northern Echo)

Join community allotment this weekend

6:11pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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RESIDENTS of Spennymoor can dig in and develop their green fingers this weekend at the first of a series of community garden events.

Monthly community allotment sessions will be held at the new garden at Ox Close Primary School, in Spennymoor.

With funding from County Durham Primary Care Trust, and the support of Oxclose Primary School and Greenways Residents Association, residents will work with environmental charity Groundwork North East to run an allotment onsite.

The first community day on Saturday, between 10am and noon, will be an introduction to working in allotments and organisers hope experienced gardeners and beginners will get involved.

Natalie Connor, project officer at Groundwork, said: "This project aims to get local members of the community involved in sharing their gardening expertise or coming along and learning new skills.

"There is a vast amount of knowledge and skill amongst the residents of Spennymoor and we are hoping that they will come along on Saturday and share it.

"We also hope that families involved will be encouraged to eat healthily when they can get their five a day from their own allotment, as well as enjoying being outdoors."

Geoff Darkes, secretary of Greenways Residents Association, added: "It is the first time on the Greenways estate where an activity has been planned which can be enjoyed by all age groups.

"This really is a wonderful opportunity to bridge the age gaps and build more trust between young and more mature people, both groups, learning something from each other on a very informal basis during daylight hours, with a common objective."