Fly fishing in a Peak District river

Looking After

How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.

News Release

02 July 2009

Green Grindleford will bloom on open day

Grindleford Allotment Assoc officials in communal orchard
Grindleford Allotment Association is holding an open day on Sunday July 12, 2pm-5.30pm, to show other villages how they too could sow the seeds of a successful community project in the Peak District National Park.

In just three years, the association has turned a once-derelict site beside the River Derwent into 24 mostly-organic allotments and a communal orchard, used by everyone from children to 90-year-olds.

Working together, the villagers have also built a barbecue, a wildlife pond, rebuilt more than 70 metres of dry stone walls and installed a communal shed with rainwater collection tanks.

This year, they have added three thriving bee-hives, and children from Grindleford Primary School have developed their own allotment. Ideas for the future include developing a small vineyard on the undeveloped bank area.

The project was launched in 2006 with a grant of £11,300 from the Peak District Sustainable Development Fund, which led to a £5,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Other help came from Grindleford Parish Council, Grindleford Horticultural Society and the parish playing fields committee, from whom they leased the land. The Sustainable Development Fund then gave £3,300 toward the bee-hive project.

Secretary Michael Wren said: “We’re happy to advise others on how to go about it and where the funds are. Help is there if you know where to find it.”

On the open day, allotment-holders will show their produce, demonstrate dry stone walling and explain how the project was set up.  There will also be a beekeeping demonstration, weather permitting.

The allotments are beside the main road (B6521) near a bus-stop, opposite the Mount Pleasant Garage.

•The Peak District Sustainable Development Fund is managed by the Peak District National Park Authority, aiding projects that support the long-term future of local communities and the environment. Businesses or community groups can apply. More information on 01629 816312 or www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/sdf