Barton Lane Allotments are close to Cirencester town centre, tucked behind Gloucester Street on the road leading to Bathurst Estate. They are so well hidden that many residents are unaware of their existence.
The allotments comprise 41 plots which are owned and managed by St John’s Hospital Trust. Tenants of the trust pay an annual rent for their plots and come from a range of backgrounds, occupations, age and horticultural experience.
The allotments are known to have existed since at least the 19th century, but the land probably had some sort of cultivation as early as Roman times. Although, unchanging in its location, there is a distinct change in how the plots are managed.
Gone is the need to grow to survive. Now we are seeing a place to promote good health, friendships and community spirit.
Gone are the strict rules that governed how or what you could plant. Barton Lane has a much more relaxed approach with an emphasis on looking after the environment: reducing the use of pesticides, making use of natural fertilisers and encouraging wildlife (although we would rather the foxes and badgers kept to their own dens).
We are very proud of the fact that we won the Sustainability award organised by Cirencester Radio and Cirencester Development Trust this year and hope to build on this achievement by creating a new Community plot.
There is also a social side to Barton Lane Allotments. Every year we open the allotments to the public, offering tea and cakes, selling our produce and, this year, holding a Dahlia competition. We also have regular get togethers to celebrate special events such as the summer solstice, the opening of our glut hut and our yearly clear up.
Should you be interested in having a plot or if you would just like to look around, please visit us on our Open Afternoon, 2-5pm on August 18th 2024. Alternatively, visit our website at bartonlaneallotments.org.
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