New allotment club

East Durham College’s Houghall Campus will set up the club with the help of cash from the Government’s new Transformation Fund for informal adult learning.

The move follows a soaring interest in allotments has soared as people seek a greener and healthier source of fruit and vegetables.

High profile campaigns have helped fuel interest, such as The National Trust Allotment Scheme, backed by Monty Don and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

The new Houghall Allotment Club is completely free to join and aims to help get people interested in growing their own food and to teach them some great new skills.

The allotment is located in the grounds of the Houghall Campus and anyone, including families, are welcome.

Jane Pringle, curriculum director of Land Based Studies at East Durham College, said: "The Club will help to show people how to plan and site an allotment, construct raised beds and paths and grow a range of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

"The club will also allow participants the opportunity to develop and practice new skills, tap into the expertise of the Houghall horticultural staff, listen to visiting speakers, go on visits and try out new ideas and methods of growing."

Beverly Stevens, Horticulture Lecturer at East Durham College, added: "Not only are allotments a great way to grow your own food, but they are a great way to stay fit and healthy and meet like minded folk." Claire Robinson, Transformation Fund Project Manager on behalf of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), said: "NIACE is very happy to be supporting the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in the management of the Transformation Fund to fulfil the recommendations of the Government’s Learning Revolution for informal adult learning."

To join the Houghall Allotment Club, contact Beverly Stevens on: 0191-375 4720.