Number One Allotment

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Number One Allotment

Duke's Meadows

The Number One Allotment is an allotment where people with learning disabilities can develop horticultural skills and interact with other allotment gardeners. The first stage of this project is to build ten raised beds with paths for wheelchair access and to put up a garden shed. A variety of vegetables, fruit and flowers will be grown and an area set aside for wildlife friendly plants.

The project is being organised by the Chiswick Horticultural Society working closely with the Learning Disability Service, part of Hounslow Social Services. The project received a grant from the Chiswick Area Committee of Hounslow Council in April to help pay for the materials.

Geoff Boswell of the Chiswick Horticultural Society, who is leading the project, said: “We are very grateful to the Chiswick Area Committee for awarding us a community grant and so helping to get the project started. We would also like to thank the many local people and suppliers who have made donations and the Duke's Meadows allotment holders who have cleared rubbish and weeds from the allotment.”

Steve Tovey, of Hounslow’s Learning Disability Service said: “I’ve been very impressed with what has been achieved so far in such a short time. Everybody who has been to the allotment has enjoyed the experience of planting and seeing how quickly things grow. It has been a very positive experience for all of us and I look forward to many more people with learning disabilities coming to enjoy the benefits of gardening.“

The allotment is being cultivated using organic methods; the project is taking part in the Organic Food For All scheme devised by HDRA - the organic organisation.

The Number One Allotment, which is on the Duke's Meadows allotment site in Chiswick, was opened on Wednesday 3 August 2005 by Carole Weale of the Chiswick Horticultural Society.

At the 2006 Autumn Show the Number One Allotment was awarded the HENNIKER CUP for the highest total points in the vegetable classes and the RHS BANKSIAN MEDAL for the winner of the highest total amount of points in the whole of the horticultural classes in the Autumn Show. Click here for photos.

The Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Felicity Barwood, visited the Duke's Meadows allotment site on 18 October 2006 to open a greenhouse for gardeners with learning disabilities. Click here for photos.