ORGANIC Allotment And Learning Zone Plan For Site In West End

6 March, 2021 | Local

A COMMUNITY group wants to turn land in Greenock’s West End into an organic allotment.

Permallot is in talks with Inverclyde Council over leasing a vacant site at Caddlehill Street. It is also looking at land in Papermill Road, Overton.

The Caddlehill site would be developed into a small-scale learning zone for community teaching.

It would have two polytunnels, raised beds, a shed or cabin for workshop and office, a lean-to/tarp for open air social distanced classwork, and bee hives.

There would be activities including beekeeping, rewilding to encourage pollinators, habitat creation, composting, educational classes and gardening therapy.

A statement submitted to the council explains: “Permallot has been established for the purpose of obtaining land and providing organic allotments within a permaculture setting for the people of Inverclyde.

“Permallot will provide top-level guidance and strategy, seek funding and oversee a team of volunteers who will execute the day-to-day operation.”

The group aims to establish and promote sites and encourage the cultivation and enjoyment of the allotments by anyone in the community.

Permaculture is a method of sustainable agriculture that encourages composting, no dig gardening and getting the most out of the uninterrupted mycelium networks under the soil.

The group’s statement continues: “Permallot intends to become a very visible element of the community by supporting, attending and exhibiting at existing local events, making presentations, holding open days and other public events.”

It also plans to work with local schools, provide gardening therapy for individuals referred by mental health support services and host a meditation class, as well as providing structured work and basic food growing skills to individuals on community payback orders.

Inverclyde Council says the proposal is actively being considered. It wants to hear the views of the community regarding possible future uses including the Permallot plan. Comments can be sent via property@inverclyde.gov.uk.

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