Fifers hoping to cultivate their own fruit and vegetables on an allotment are facing a lengthy wait.
It has emerged the region’s waiting list has grown to a staggering 700 and counting, as locals increasingly ditch deep freezers and microwave meals in favour of healthy home-produced food.
Fife Council says it is “extremely proactive” in finding growing spaces which can be used by local communities, with each tailored to suit the area in which they are situated.
While hundreds of people hope to get their green fingers on a patch of land as soon as possible, Fife allotment officer Peter Duncan said the region’s current waiting list is quite short compared to other areas, although the local authority is working hard to cut it further.
“Our allotments are a haven for horticultural enthusiasts and a learning resource for all ages, and we’re working to create more,” he said.
“Since the council’s first allotments strategy in 2009, we have introduced over 20 new sites and upgraded many existing ones, which now allows many more community members to enjoy the benefits of gardening.
“In 2016, Fife Council introduced its second growing strategy, which involves working with allotment groups to bring together a grass roots approach.
“There is now more devolved management. Allotment group teams consist of a supervisor and clients from job centre plus to maintain the allotment sites.
“The allotment projects help these clients gain training and work experience, leading to potential employment opportunities. This has been very successful, with positive destinations for many participants.”
Recently, a new site has been developed at Silverburn Park in Leven as part of the regeneration of the park and consists of 26 individual plots, and one school plot managed by Parkhill Primary School.
The council will be embarking on another new site in Glenrothes in the autumn that will contain 49 plots, including raised beds for disabled users, and it is also working with other partners such as housing associations and the third sector to provide more opportunities for people to grow their own.
Mr Duncan added: “It is great to see everyone enjoying gardening enjoying growing fruit, flowers and vegetables.
“Also, kids having a great time learning about food and where it comes from.
“The allotment project holds an important place in the council’s list of priorities, addressing food poverty, social inclusion, health and wellbeing, along with carbon reduction through food miles.”
