LAWSON ROAD ALLOTMENTS has finally completed its plans for a community orchard and soft fruit area for the local community to enjoy, following a donation from the North West team at national housebuilder Lovell Homes.
Part of Blackpool Allotments, Lawson Road Allotments is a self-managed and self-funded community project that aims to promote healthy eating and living through growing vegetables, fruit, and fresh produce. Working with local schools, groups, and residents the allotment’s fundraising came to a halt when Covid-19 first hit, and the orchard plans were put on hold.
Lovell Homes, led by social value manager Paul Woby, therefore donated £500 to purchase a mix of apple, pear, plum, pear, damson and cherry trees for the community orchard and complete the project.
Paul said: “The Lawson Road Allotments team very generously gave me a tour of the site and I was instantly on board with their vision for the community orchard. Lockdown has been difficult for everyone so having a space for all parts of the community to get outside in the fresh air and learn how to grow and eat produce from seed to plate is fantastic.”
Andy Percival, chair of Lawson Road Allotments, said: “As part of our continual improvement of the allotment site for both plot holders and the wider community, we decided to develop a community orchard and soft fruit area. We established a section of the allotment and over the last few years have worked to clear the area, put in new drainage, and level the soil ready for planting.
“Sadly, due to Covid-19 our funding raising came to a sudden stop and we found ourselves unable to complete the last piece of the jigsaw - the trees. We’re therefore very grateful to Paul and the Lovell Homes team for enabling us to complete our orchard and continue our campaign of promoting healthy eating and fresh air in Blackpool.”
Lawson Road Allotments is involved with community work both on site and out in the community, running Blackpool in Bloom, displaying allotments at Southport Flower Show – winning gold for the last nine years – and donating excess produce to local food banks.
Lovell Homes is the national housebuilder behind the nearby Woodlark Chase development in Thornton Cleveleys. The firm is committed to its long-term social value programme, which sees it work to build links with local communities and projects.
For more information about Lovell Homes please visit www.lovell.co.uk or follow @Lovell_UK on Twitter.
