Local allotments allow communities to blossom, says AM

Allotments boost communities both socially and aesthetically according to Labour Assembly Member Joyce Watson.
Speaking during a debate on a report of allotment provision in Wales by the Assembly’s Sustainability Committee, of which she is a member, Joyce Watson said that there are numerous benefits to providing allotments.
These range from promoting pride in how a community looks, to engaging young people with activities which they would not ordinarily encounter at school.
Joyce Watson said,
‘Allotments can simultaneously be a private interest, resulting in personal satisfaction and benefit, as well as a social activity, engaging with others and discussing common interests. I garden a lot myself and can vouch for the satisfaction of nurturing plants and reaping the rewards.
‘As a committee, we heard from several witnesses that allotments can bring different members of the community together, such as school children and people who are retired. For example, Cymdeithas y Dalar in Llandeilo uses community allotments as a means of creating links between with schools and one school gardening club has over 100 members.
‘Allotments can provide part of the answer to a number of issues, such as physical activity, food security and community cohesion and I fully support an increase in the provision of allotments where possible.’
For further details about Joyce Watson’s work or to contact her please click on www.joycewatson.co.uk.