On Saturday morning i cycled up to the Allotments near to the old racecourse where the Neville housing estate meets the wonderful open space of the Downs. At the high corner of the allotments is a Community Organic allotment Project. I lived really near here ten years ago and so it was great to visit the area again and see how much healthier and well cared for the allotments look, particularly the condition of the soil. Its a continual challenge up here to replenish the soil as its so free draining, and chalky. The community allotment takes in about six individual sized plots, and looks in great shape.
I was because Common Cause who run the allotment were taking part in a BBC initiative 'Tree o'clock', attempting to break record for the most number of trees to be planted in one hour.
There were about ten of us, and we managed to plant 24 trees within the hour. We planted them close together in a double row in order to form a mixed hedge running along the border of the allotment. We planted Hawthorn, Dogwood, Blackthorn (Sloes), Cherry and Holly. The Cherry will be left to grow into a tree whilst the others will be cut into a hedge.
It was great to be gardening en-masse, sharing our particular interests, and knowledge.
If you want to know more the Lewes Community Allotment, look at
http://commoncause.org.uk
