I was invited to join the West Marsh Allotments Committee on Sunday to plant a tree with them and to receive the Golden Shovel, which is currently travelling around the country to celebrate the Community Payback Scheme’s 50th anniversary.
The Community Payback team have been working closely with the Allotment Committee and residents to maintain several plots and to encourage more people locally to get into growing their own fruit and veg. The Payback team have also helped to clear the overgrown borders next to the River Freshney, enabling people to enjoy new nature areas and walks.
It was great to meet the teams and listen to the positive work that has been done. It was interesting to hear how working outside and learning to garden has been a positive experience for everyone involved.
It was a privilege to be asked to plant the tree with them, which I think was a plum or cherry tree - not sure!
