Forth Valley Food Links

That was the good news message of society chair, Gerry Welsh, to the well-attended first AGM on 10 November 2008. Eighteen months ago, the society had a membership of 6, which has now risen to 53.  Another 90 - including Council Members - support the principle of allotments in Falkirk.  This, remarked Gerry, shows the strength of desire for allotments in Falkirk.  He also urged members who will not be allocated a plot, to get involved in the running of the society, as there was still much work to be done to develop it as an organisation.

The society represents and promotes the interests of potential plotholders, and is promoting the provision of allotments in the Falkirk area.  It has a constitution and a management 'blueprint' for allotments, but once individual allotments are established, each one will have their own constitution with their own management structure.

The society intends the allotments to be worked as naturally as possible, without the use of artificial herbicides, pesticides and insecticides.  After all, Gerry remarked, people want to grow their own food to get away from chemicals. If you grow your own food, you know exactly what has gone into it!

Moves towards developing a pilot allotment project at the former walled garden of the Bantaskine Estate are underway.  Results of the feasibility study are to be presented for approval to Falkirk Council's Environment & Heritage Committee in February 2009.  Once approved, the society is aiming to develop a number of plots on the site during 2009, and possibly more on the land immediately to the east of the garden in the former tree nursery.

 At Bantaskine, there are 3 different plot-size scenarios. As a pilot project, it will test which plot sizes will be most suitable for both the situation and plotholders.  There will be a mix of sizes (the biggest plot being 125 sq m) to accommodate the needs of individuals and family groups.  Plots will be allocated on a 'first-come-first-served' basis and there will be only one plot allocated per family.

 The Scottish Government has urged local authorities to find more land for allotments, so the society is optimistic that opportunities for other allotments on public land elsewhere in the district will be presented.  The Helix Project is also keen to accommodate an allotment on the site, and there is a possibility that a portion of public parks could be set aside too.  Discussions are on-going with NHS Forth Valley to develop the new Larbert Hospital walled garden, and other landowners will be approached to release land.

 For more information about the Falkirk Allotment Society, visit www.falkirkallotmentsociety.org.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .