THERE’S “ALLOT” GOING ON
T
he Freemen of Newcastle have enabled the provision of allotments for many years, as the second largest provider of allotments space in the City (after Urban Green & Newcastle City Council). Based on an average plot size of 125 sq.m. and factoring in space for access paths etc. we provide space for over 1,000 allotments. We are fully aware of the benefits allotments provide, including initiatives such as educational links and biodiversity; growing food and flowers has proven benefits for both physical and mental health and wellbeing. Nuns Moor South Allotments
This is the former allotment site at Brighton Grove. City Officers and the Freemen worked hard over several years to make this allotment 24
Freemen Magazine
site work, however despite our best efforts and those of some individuals in the Association, the site was beset with ongoing management issues, vandalism, criminal damage, non-compliance with the lease and dereliction. Eventually, after many complaints (including concern from the local Police), there was no other recourse but to end the lease on the site. After reviewing the options for the site, it was assessed that given the shortage of green open space, particularly in the Arthurs Hill and Walters Terrace areas, the site should no-longer be closed off to the public and would give greatest long term amenity to the majority of the community and the City by being made available as an open space for enjoyment, leisure, air and exercise, and visual amenity. The derelict buildings/structures have
