It’s all growing great in Maryhill

Families, politicians, Maryhill Housing staff and local police officers pay a visit to the allotments
Families, politicians, Maryhill Housing staff and local police officers pay a visit to the allotments

New “pop-up allotments” are proving a huge hit with people in Glasgow’s Ruchill following an initiative led by Maryhill Housing.

The exciting new grow-your-own scheme is now in full swing thanks to months of effort to create the new allotments – which have transformed a piece of derelict ground.

Ruth Adam, community regeneration manager at Maryhill Housing, said: “This has been a much anticipated development for Ruchill and one which local people have greatly welcomed.”

The new community growing space has room for 23 “raised” beds – hence the name “pop-up” allotments - a “polytunnel”, composting bays, a large water butt and even a frogpond to provide biodiversity.

Local primary school St Cuthbert’s located just across the road have their own bed – helping youngsters to learn about growing vegetables.

The allotments have proved so popular that there is now a waiting list of eight people all wanting to get involved.

There have even been workshops focusing on the needs of plants, winter growing, dealing with weeds and growing herbs among other topics.

The allotments are generously funded by a variety of organisations in addition to Maryhill Housing namely:

  • Glasgow City Council Stalled Spaces Fund
  • Glasgow City Council Integrated Grant Fund
  • Sanctuary Housing Association (community benefits)
  • Comic Relief
  • Spirit of Ruchill/Possilpark 2012
  • FrogLife
  • Scottish Power
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