Newland Allotments has just held its annual produce show for plot-holders
It is a protected part of Hull that helps to promote community health and inclusion. At Newland Allotments, gardening and growing change lives.
The Newland Allotments Tenants Association (NATA), along with Hull City Council, manage the site just off Newland Avenue. Stretching to 21 acres, with 270-plus plot-holders, Newland Allotments has just enjoyed the highlight of its year, the annual produce show.
Held on Saturday, August 16, at the allotments, the show was a “brilliant celebration of local growing and community”, said Daniel Smales, secretary of NATA. Plot-holders, families and friends were invited along.
“We have also just completed Allotment Week, which ended on August 17.” Daniel said: “The produce show welcomed plot-holders and their families to enter everything from classic veg and flowers to homemade baking and preserves, plus a few crowd-pleasers like Most Misshapen Vegetable and our newly introduced Eggs (half-dozen) class for our poultry keepers.
“Many entrants donated their show produce to a local food bank after judging, which we’re really proud of. We were delighted to be joined by Doug Stewart, co-presenter of The Great Outdoors on BBC Radio Humberside with Fiona Mills.
“Doug judged our vegetable, family and fun classes. Sam, from the local tea room Sweet Little Things, kindly judged the homemade section and we send a big thank-you to them both.”
Newland Allotments is the largest allotment site in the city and East Yorkshire and dates back to the early 1900s. It is protected by statute under the Allotments Act 1925, which means the land cannot be used without the approval of the Secretary of State.
Daniel said: “The show is a highlight of our year. It brings neighbours together, spotlights the incredible skill on our plots, and shares fresh food with people who can use it.”
The event, with its popular classes including tomatoes, potatoes, dahlias and jam, plus giant vegetables and fun classes, also encourages the younger growers on the allotments with its children’s classes. Daniel said: “We’re excited to grow this into a wider festival in future, spotlighting charities and partners based on site.
“We’re exploring expanding the show, adding heritage vegetable categories and potentially inviting neighbouring allotment sites across the city to take part.” Last year, Newland Allotments hosted BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, at Middleton Hall, University of Hull. “It was a proud moment for our growers and volunteers,” said Daniel.
Newland Allotments is home to, and collaborates with, a number of community health and inclusion projects that use gardening to change lives, including:
- Bakersville Allotment – Therapeutic horticulture with NHS partners
- Let’s Talk – City Health Care Partnership: anxiety/depression support with gardening
- P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery – Acquired brain injury support through outdoor activity
- Down to Earth – Environmental workshops, food skills, biodiversity
- Good to Go – Skills and confidence for young adults with additional needs
- Nathaniel’s Allotment – Home-growing and sustainable practice with strong community engagement