Losing allotment would be 'absolutely devastating'

A family who gardens and grows vegetables on a community allotment say it would be "absolutely devastating" if no new land can be found to continue.

Forge Rhyne Allotments was set up in 2022 in Highbridge, Somerset, but its lease with the landowner is up in 2027, and is unable to be renewed.

Martin, 47, who is a lorry driver by trade, started the plot as a way to improve his mental health, with no knowledge of gardening or building.

He taught himself to grow and build on his plot, complete with a shed which has WiFi, and now shares the land with his entire family - but worries he could lose the work they have put in unless someone else can step in.

As a family, they grow rhubarb, lettuce, sprouts, onions, pumpkins and carrots, among other things, with part of the plot set aside for flowers and wildlife.

His daughter, Chloe, 17, explained family time is one of the main reasons she likes to go to the allotment.

"I'm normally never with my family at home so coming out the house, being down here, actually spending some time with them every now and again - it's quite nice."

She also said she loves to eat all the produce while she's there, adding: "It's just a nice environment to relax, chill and have a few snacks."

Her main concern with losing the plot is not having any fresh, home-grown vegetables to eat at home.

Martin's wife Nicola, who has decorated the patch with highland cows, explained she also suffers with her mental health and the space helps to improves it.

"It's just nice just to come down, just sit here, relax," she said.

"You see different people come down and just to have a talk with other people is just so nice and just refreshing to actually be here."

Nicola added her family work as a team on the plot; she weeds and cleans, Martin plants and builds, 10-year-old son Jack looks after the flowers, while Chloe eats the goods.

Chair of the allotments, Karen Downward, said the lease negotiated four years ago will expire next September, describing the current landowner as "generous" and "supportive".

Martin said he is also grateful for the landowners support, but is willing others to come forward with a space.

"We've built a lovely community down here so if there are any farmers or anyone with two acres of land around the Highbridge or Burnham area - it'll be much appreciated."

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