Schools, community groups and residents are being invited to make use of believe housing’s allotment.

The County Durham-based housing association set up the allotment in Seaham last summer to share the joy of gardening with employees and the public.

The Northern Echo:

Employees have volunteered to help maintain the site, which has been good for teambuilding and overall wellbeing.

And now that it’s well established, members of the community are encouraged to get involved and enjoy free, outdoor fun at the site.

People can take part in regular community outreach sessions, being supported by Groundwork North East and Cumbria, or request a specific event for their group or school such as pond dipping or a bug hunt.

Dale Clark, Environmental Officer at believe housing, said: “Gardening offers a whole host of benefits for physical and mental health, and our accessible community allotment is a great place to get started.

“We want to help people of all ages to gain the skills needed to grow their own fresh produce, which is healthy, cost effective, and good for the environment.

“Anyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced gardeners who don’t want to manage a full plot on their own. 

The Northern Echo:

“Our allotment is the perfect place for a group activity or to meet new people and we’ll provide all the knowledge and equipment needed.”

The site has 10 large accessible raised beds, a shed and greenhouse, fruit trees, areas to grow both vegetables and flowers, a pond, nature arks, and a bug hotel.

By regenerating the 540m2 plot, which was previously unused and overgrown, believe housing has improved the local environment and supported biodiversity. 

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Two-hour community sessions are held every Wednesday, at noon, and on alternate Tuesdays, at 4pm (the next one is Tuesday, 29 August 2023). Monthly Saturday sessions are held from 10am to 1pm (the next one is Saturday, 23 September 2023). 

Any community group, school or individual wanting to get involved can contact believe housing by emailing hello@believehousing.co.uk or calling 0300 1311 999.